I shall pray the good God to watch over you always.

Adieu, Monsieur!" He stood looking at her a moment still retaining his hold of her hands.
"Adieu, Mademoiselle," he said at last.

Then, very slowly--as if so that realising his intent she might frustrate it were she so minded--he raised her right hand.

It was not withdrawn, and so he bent low, and pressed his lips upon it.
"God guard you, Mademoiselle," he said at last, and if they were strange words for a Republican and a Deputy, it must be remembered that his bearing during the past few moments had been singularly unlike a Republican's.
He released her hand, and stepping back, doffed his hat.

With a final inclination of the head, she turned and walked away in the direction of the terrace.
At a distance La Boulaye followed, so lost in thought that he did not observe Captain Juste until the fellow's voice broke upon his ear.
"You have been long enough, Citizen-deputy," was the soldier's greeting.
"I take it there is to be no duel." "I make you my compliments upon the acuteness of your perception," answered La Boulaye tartly.