"From Madame la Princesse, who bids me join her." "I understand that this is a mere pretext! I am grateful to you for showing me such consideration." "Make no mistake, Monsieur de Canolles," rejoined the viscountess, taking no pains to conceal her sadness. "Had I not received this letter, I should have reminded you of your promise at the proper time, just as I have done now. Do you think that the people about us can much longer avoid detecting the understanding between us? Our relations, you will agree, are not those of a persecuted princess with her persecutor. But if this separation is so painful to you as you pretend, let me tell you, Monsieur le Baron, that it rests with you to make it unnecessary that we should separate." "Say what you mean! oh, say!" cried Canolles. "Do you not guess?" "Yes, madame, I do, indeed; I cannot be mistaken. You mean to suggest that I should espouse the cause of Madame la Princesse." "She speaks of it herself in this letter," said Madame de Cambes, eagerly. "I am glad that the idea did not originate with you, and I thank you for the embarrassment with which you broached the subject. Not that my conscience revolts at the thought of following this or that party; no, I have no convictions; indeed, who, save those personally interested, have convictions in this war? When the sword has once left the scabbard, what care I whether the blow comes from one side or another? I do not know the court, nor do I know the princes; with an independent fortune and without ambition, I have no expectations from either party. I am an officer, and that's the end of it." "In that case you will consent to go with me?" "No." "But why not, pray, if things are as you say?" "Because you would esteem me less." "Is that the only obstacle?" "My word for it." "Then you need have no fear." "You don't yourself believe what you are saying now," rejoined Canolles, shaking his finger at her with a smile. "A turncoat is the same thing as a traitor; the first word is a little softer, but they are synonymous." "Ah, well! perhaps you are right," said Madame de Cambes, "and I will urge you no further. If you had been in any ordinary position I would have tried to win you over to the cause of the princes; but as an envoy of the king, intrusted with a confidential mission by her Majesty the queen regent and the first minister of the crown, honored with the good-will of Monsieur le Duc d'Épernon, who, notwithstanding the suspicions I entertained at first, is your very zealous patron, so I am told--" Canolles blushed. "I will say no more on that subject, but listen to me, baron; we do not part forever, be sure; I have a presentiment that we shall meet again." "Where?" asked Canolles. "I have no idea; but meet again we certainly shall." Canolles sadly shook his head. "I dare not count upon it, madame," said he; "there is war between us, and that is too great an obstacle when, at the same time, there is no love."