Monsieur de Camors -- Volume 2

it seemed to him that she also avoided him. A qua

chamber. When he saw himself in the mirror, his own face

she has no honor. For honor is a reality and must not be underrated. It is a noble, delicate, and salutary quality. It elevates manly attributes; in fact, it constitutes the modesty of man. It is sometimes a force, and always a grace. But to think that honor is all-sufficient; that in the face of great interests, great passions, great trials in life, it is a support and a

vil night, to a final conflict

, surrounded by all her regal luxury. She was half buried in a fauteuil in the chimney-corner, l

she said. "H

well," rep

s the m

that yo

eyes wide with surpri

ors, smiling-" no more music, the curt

e shal

re you simply acting, to try me, last

ld, but I do not

ught you m

e my h

if your hours of frankness h

compensation,

ve it to you,"

ing herself back on the sofa, as if to make herself c

be loved. I love you devotedly and unt

" said the Mar

xtenuate my offence. I see it, I judge it, and I accept it. I break the last moral tie that is left me; I leave the ranks of men of honor, and I leave also the ranks of humanity. I have nothing human left except my love, nothing sacred but you; but my crime elevates itself

or may become, on condition of an equal return, still preserving the s

a serious thing. My love for you is boundless. I love you enough to disdain and trample under foot that which the meanest human being still respects. I love you enough to find in you alone, in your single esteem, and in your sole tenderness, in the pride and madness of being yours, oblivion and consolation for friendship outraged, faith betrayed, and honor lost. But, Madame, this is a sentiment which you will do well not to trifle with. You should thoroughly und

ened to him, her head a little inclined toward him in an attitude of overpowering interest, throwing upon him at intervals a glance full of gloom

"becomes really interesting; but you do no

said C

ad in sign of dismissal, without offering

t w

early

little terrified doubtless by the monster she h

succeeding days, he vainly

s either dining

e did not love him. She only wished to revenge herself for the past, and after disgracing him would laugh at him. She had made him si

Viscountess d'Oilly's, where he usually saw her every Friday. This lady had been formerly the most tender

of affection. She was an amiable w

er youth, and never having had much taste for devotion, she conceived the idea of having a salon. She r

ures and conferences, which began to be fashionable. She spoke easily about spontaneous generation. She manifested a l

really admit that. How can you think your gran

everything wit

entered St. Sulpice, where she confessed and put herself on good terms with God, in case He should exist. She w

few moments, when he had the satisfaction of seeing the General and the Marquise enter. She tranquilly expressed to him her regret at not having been at home the preceding day; but it was impossible to hope for a more decided explanation in a circle so sm

They played at her house such little games as were then fashiona

ched mysteriously, in turn, questions and answers. During this time the General played whist with Madame de la Roche-Jugan. Madame Campvallon di

mself joined in the game, contrary to his custom, and even charged hims

an exist between the sexes?" "Is it sweeter to love or to beloved?"-succeeded each other with corresponding replies. All at once the Marquise gave a slight scream, and they saw a dr

itate more at ease on questions and answers. An instant later Camors was passing around the room collecting notes. She deposited one in the basket, slipping another into his hand with the cat- like dexterity of her sex. In the midst of t

, honor, riches, to m

, from this mom

th the pure blood of m

DE LUC. D

le table, then suddenly his face was covered with a mortal paleness. These symptoms did not arise from

ody mysticism so familiar to the sixteenth century, which she adored, that the Mar