Presently-- "Forgive me for having come into your life, Roxalanne!" I implored her, and then I sighed again.

"Helas! Had I but known you earlier! I did not dream such women lived in this worn-out France." "I will not pry, monsieur, since your resolve appears to be so firm.

But if--if after I have heard this thing you speak of," she said presently, speaking with averted eyes, "and if, having heard it, I judge you more mercifully than you judge yourself, and I send for you, will you--will you come back to Lavedan ?" My heart gave a great bound--a great, a sudden throb of hope.

But as sudden and as great was the rebound into despair.
"You will not send for me, be assured of that," I said with finality; and we spoke no more.
I took the oars and plied them vigorously.

I was in haste to end the situation.