emn me to death? I will not, I cannot, survive you. I
will not be thrust into that other's arms. I did not know, I did not
realize what it was--before. But since I have been here, since you
have held me to your heart, since you have kissed me--no, I cannot. It
would be desecration--horror. Let me go. I will tell."

"Dearest Laure," said the man, holding her tighter, "think, be calm,
listen. It needs not that I assure you of my love. I have proved it.
I lie here with the stigma of shame, the basest of accusations in the
hearts of those who know of our meeting at night, to save you from
suspicion even."

"Not my uncle, not the Marquis. He says there is something back of it
all. He knows you are not a thief."

"It takes a d'Aumenier to understand a Marteau," said the young man
proudly.

"And I am a d'Aumenier, too," said the woman.

"Then strive to comprehend my point of view."

"I can, I will, but----"

"What binds you to that Englishman?"

"My word, my uncle's word."

"Exactly. And what else binds you to keep my secret?"

The woman stared at him.

"Oh, do not urge that against me," she pleaded. "I must tell all."

"I have your word. That Eagle must remain hidden there until the
Emperor comes back. Then you must give it to him and say that I died
that you might place it in his hand."

"There must be a way, and there shall be a way," said the agonized
woman. "I love you. I cannot have you die. I cannot, I cannot."

Her voice rose almost to a scream in mad and passionate protest.

"Why," said the man soothingly, "I am the more ready to die now that I
know that you love me. Few men have ever got so much out of life as
that assurance gives me. That I, peasant-born, beneath you, should
have won your heart, that I should have been permitted to hold you to
my breast, to feel that heart beat against my own, to drink of the
treasures of your lips, to kiss your eyes that shine upon me---- Oh,
my God, what have I done to deserve it all? And it is better, far
better, having had thus much and being stopped from anything further,
that I should go to my grave in this sweet recollection. Could I live
to think of you as his wife?"

"If you will only live I will die myself."

"And could I purchase life at that price? No. We have duties to
perform--hard, harsh words in a woman's ear, common accustomed phrase
to a soldier. I have to die for my honor and you have to marry for
yours."

"Monsieu