You might have left me mine.' "I was so astonished--I hardly knew what to say.

I had spoken to Clement as if his mother's consent were secure (as I had felt my own would have been if Urian had been alive to ask it).

Of coarse, both he and I knew that his mother's consent must be asked and obtained, before he could leave her to go on such an undertaking; but, somehow, my blood always rose at the sight or sound of danger; perhaps, because my life had been so peaceful.

Poor Madame de Crequy! it was otherwise with her; she despaired while I hoped, and Clement trusted.
"'Dear Madame de Crequy,' said I, 'he will return safely to us; every precaution shall be taken, that either he or you, or my lord, or Monkshaven can think of; but he cannot leave a girl--his nearest relation save you--his betrothed, is she not ?' "'His betrothed!' cried she, now at the utmost pitch of her excitement.
'Virginie betrothed to Clement ?--no! thank heaven, not so bad as that! Yet it might have been.

But mademoiselle scorned my son! She would have nothing to do with him.