Serge Panine -- Volume 02

r faces; the forced smile had disappeared. They looked at each other attentively, like two duellists see

three weeks ago, without seeing

?" replied the Prince, with an

a glance brilli

that you had just aske

d have bee

n, and you don't like explaining. You have preferred leaving me to guess

a whip. The young girl's agitation was violent; her cheeks were red, and her breathing was hard and stifled with

is marriage

answ

es

per. As if she could not b

ing to marr

in, "Yes!" the young girl took two rapid ste

d with a violence she c

oom window was still open, and f

self," replied he. "You are

ortable?" interrupted t

our sake only,"

r m

committing an impruden

And it is that only w

de Cernay, smilingly. Changing h

ng toward poor Serge! What an opinion he will have of himsel

rew away

You don't exactly realize your situation. Don't you understa

y world; where we enjoyed the liberty which English manners allow to young people. Your aunt found no fault with the charming chatter which the English call flirtation. I told you I loved you; you allowed me to think that I was not displeasing to you. We, thanks to that delightful agreement, spent a most agreeable summer, and now you do not wish to put an end to that pleasant little excursion made beyon

well taken," replied Jeanne. "Still, if Madame Desvaren

lover would be an unfaithful husband-she would augur of the fu

us life which I lead, I would leave for Austria, and rejoin the ser

with anguish; and m

re, troubled him more than he wished to show. He had loved Mademoiselle de Cernay, and he loved her still. But he felt that a sign of weakness on his part would place him at Jeanne's mercy,

man who loves you fondly, and who possesse

Cernay raised he

you in the idea that I should follow your advice? But then, you deceived me from th

suming his light, ca

, I give you my word of honor that I would not marry anoth

ay made a gesture of

le matter to me?" she

is you! Not

loved poverty, which is my lot, you would be frightened, and you would understand that in my resolution to give you up there is much of t

' horses! I never touch a card, although I love play. I go much in society; I shine there, and walk home to save the cost of a carriage. My door-keeper cleans my rooms and keeps my linen in order. My private life is sad, dull, and humiliating. It is the black chrysalis of the bright butterfly which you know. That is

ung girl against him, he was mistaken. He had counted without considering Jeanne's sangu

ou would be all devotedness and self-denial. Each pain endured would be a proof of love, and that is why I wish to suffer. Your life with mine would be neither sad nor hum

that happiness last? A season during the springtime of our youth. Then autumn would come, sad and harsh. Our illusions would vanish like the swallows in romances, and we should find, with alarm, that we had taken t

e Cernay, seizing the hands of the Prince, and pressing them with her tre

ely for a tender look. She was most fascinating, and Panine, usually master of himself, lost his presence of mind for a

e de Cernay, clinging to h

almed as he had been carried aw

e we are and how easily we might commit an irrepa

me! I feel it; everything tells me so! And you would desert me because you

admirable energy. She possessed the

is strange girl. He understood that he must not leave her with the slighte

Remember this, that for Prince Panine there are only three social'conditions possib

tance. She felt how useless was further argument,

it is finishe

erpent with the first woman, murmured in her ear, as if afraid le

ruined nobleman. You live in luxury, thanks to Madame Desvarennes's liberality. I can scarcely manage to keep myself with the help of my family. Our present is precarious,

ined, become strong and powerful. And what is necessary to gain them? A

her lips. Henceforth she would believe in no one. After liste

was prepared to endure any sacrifice! You, whom I would have served on my knees! And what reason do you give to

linching. He had armed himself against contempt, and was

ll be more cruel but less vile! But no, it is not possible! You gave way to temptation at seeing her so rich; you had a feeling of covetousne

her ardor, to warm him with her passion. He remaine

" said she,

et he was there. She was thinking deeply. Then

share the common folly, I risk remaining in isolation, and I must be strong to make others stand in awe of me. Very well, then, I shall henceforth act in suc

laughed

ade me clever. Many thanks for the lesson;

change, listened to Jeanne with stu

intend to d

pression. Her eyes sparkled like stars;

oundation of my power, and to follow y

nd, looking out toward t

eur Ca

ed by a sudden fit of jealousy, w

e, vaguely holdi

shing haughtiness. "Are you frightened

rge did n

handsome fee; Micheline's dower will

s hurried steps as

he, remaining on the threshold of the drawing-room. "Am I

ernay, simply tendering him her white tap

in behind the banker. She

y Jeanne for her beauty alo

was a concert of congratulations. But Jea

of which I am the object. But you must know that my sentiments do

; it will be for me to gain your heart, and with time and sincere affection I do not despair of winning it. I am tr

ot think him so common- looking as usual. She reso

leave of Madame D

ch you give me, I have only my life to

he Prince deeply; then,

from to-day yo

rre by the arm an

cats in exchange for a pound of my flesh.' Madame Desvarennes loves her daughter with a more formidable love than Sh