This glass belongs to Monsieur de
Lauson, and it might cost you dear."
"Is your heart made of stone or of steel that you think you can undo
what you have done? Can I believe you? How am I to tell that you are
not doubling on the lie? Is not all this because you are afraid to die
without succession, the fear that men will laugh?"
"I am not afraid of anything," sharply; "not even of ridicule."
"Well, Monsieur le Marquis, neither am I. You have wasted your time."
"So I perceive," sourly. "A letter would have been more to the
purpose."
"It would indeed. It is the sight of you, Monsieur, that rouses fury
and unbelief. We ought never to meet again."
"I will go at once," making a movement to rise.
"Wait till I have done. You will do well to listen, as I swear to God
I shall never address a word to you again. Your death-bed shall be no
more to me than my heart has been to you. Ah, could I but find a way
to wring your heart as you have wrung mine! You have wasted your time.
I shall never resume my title, if indeed I have one; I shall never
return to France. Do as you please with my estates. There is an abyss
between us; you can never cross it, and I shall never make the attempt.
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