The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 83 (1/2)
She seated herself and e eyes fixed on her companion, was silent for a minute At last she said, abruptly:
”Monsieur Goutran, do you love me?”
At this most unexpected question, Goutran started
”Yes,” he answered, gravely ”I love you, and I feel a devotion for you which is, perhaps, better than love”
Car cheeks
”Your words are sweeter to ine By and by you will understand me better I need your affection, and I need your assistance, but I am about to put your interest in me to a very severe test”
”You have but to express your wishes,” said Goutran
Caro on with her explanation
”Listen to me,” she resumed ”I owe you a declaration which will re between us A few days ago, when on the terrace of your house my hands rested in yours, I fully realized that, so far as you were concerned, a tacit engagement from that moment existed between us”
”From that moment,” interrupted Goutran, ”I felt that if you would accept my hand and nay?” said Carently
”Did you doubt ht, for, Monsieur Goutran, I can never be your wife!”
Goutran rose quickly
”Was it to break ht?” he cried
”I can never be your wife,” repeated Carmen, ”because only an unstained woman should bear your name!”
Goutran turned deadly pale
”And I,” she continued, ”am not such a woman!”
”Ah! Mademoiselle, I cannot understand you”
”Listen to hed, and I understand my duty I hope my frankness will at least win your esteem, and possibly your pity”
”My pity! Ah! Cars!”
”I have not finished Goutran, I love you, deeply and sincerely Your character, your talents, all inspire me, for the first time in my life, with those senti you I passed through life knowing little, and caring little, of as right or rong”
Tears were now pouring down her cheeks
”I ahter, I ay!”