Merciful God! could I dream of being such a dastard?
Why not attempt what she asked?
After all, what was left for me in life, except to give her happiness?
The sound of a faint sob reached me, and wheeling instantly I stood at her side.
"Madame de Noyan," I said with forced calmness, surprising myself, "I will redeem my pledge, and either save your husband, or meet my fate at his side." Before I could prevent her action she had flung herself at my feet, and was kissing my hand.
"God bless you, Geoffrey Benteen! God bless you!" she sobbed impulsively; and then from out the dense shadows of the farther wall, solemnly as though he stood at altar service, the watchful Capuchin said: "Amen!".