CHAPTER XI.
During the decisive moments of life, when one's entire future depends upon a word, or a gesture, twenty contradictory inspirations can traverse the mind in the time occupied by a flash of lightning.
On the sudden apparition of the young Marquis de Sairmeuse, Maurice d'Escorval's first thought was this: "How long has he been there?
Has he been playing the spy?
Has he been listening to us?
What did he hear ?" His first impulse was to spring upon his enemy, to strike him in the face, and compel him to engage in a hand-to-hand struggle.
The thought of Anne-Marie checked him.
He reflected upon the possible, even probable results of a quarrel born of such circumstances.

The combat which would ensue would cost this pure young girl her reputation.

Martial would talk of it; and country people are pitiless.

He saw this girl, whom he looked so devotedly upon, become the talk of the neighborhood; saw the finger of scorn pointed at her, and possessed sufficient self-control to master his anger.

All these reflections had occupied only half a second.
Then, politely touching his hat, and stepping toward Martial: "You are a stranger, Monsieur," said he, in a voice which was frightfully altered, "and you have doubtless lost your way ?" His words were ill-chosen, and defeated his prudent intentions.