There is one course still open to me by which I may redeem my honour; and it has been in my mind for some time back to take that course.

'To-day, I am thankful to say, I can take it cheerfully, if not without regret; with a steadfast heart, if no light one.

Mademoiselle,' I continued earnestly, feeling none of the triumph, none of the vanity, none of the elation I had foreseen, but only simple joy in the joy I could give her, 'I thank God that it IS still in my power to undo what I have done: that it is still in my power to go back to him who sent me, and telling him that I have changed my mind, and will bear my own burdens, to pay the penalty.' We were within a hundred paces of the top and the finger-post.

She cried out wildly that she did not understand.

'What is it you--you--have just said ?' she murmured.