But she seemed to be urging him to some lofty heroism; and indeed what she had said threw a ray of light upon the unrest which had come to him in connection with his old plan of going to confide his secret to some Minister of War or other, whatever one might happen to be in office at the time.

Growing hesitation and repugnance stirred him as he fancied he could again hear her saying that perhaps there might be some better course, that would require search and reflection.

But all at once a vision of Marie rose before him, and his heart was rent by the thought that he was asked to renounce her.

To lose her, to give her to another! No, no, that was beyond his strength.

He would never have the frightful courage that was needed to pass by the last promised raptures of love with disdain! For a couple of days Guillaume struggled on.