"When you last saw him, monsieur, you say he was struggling with the
ruffian who wounded you?"
"He was.--It was the last I saw of either. There is no hope--none--the
boat went down a few moments after. Poor Antoine! poor Antoine!"
Again she burst into tears, for she had evidently been weeping before.
I could offer no consolation. I did not attempt it. It was better she
should weep. Tears alone could relieve her.
"The coachman, Pierre, too--one of the most devoted of my people--he,
too, is lost. I grieve for him as well; but Antoine was my father's
friend--he was mine--Oh! the loss--the loss;--friendless; and yet,
perhaps, I _may soon need friends. Pauvre Antoine_!"
She wept as she uttered these phrases. Aurore was also in tears. I
could not restrain myself--the eyes of childhood returned, and I too
wept.
This solemn scene was at length brought to a termination by Eugenie, who
appearing suddenly to gain the mastery over her grief, approached the
bedside.
"Monsieur," said she, "I fear for some time you will find in me a sad
host. I cannot easily forget my friend, but I know you will pardon me
for thus indulging in a moment of sorrow. For the present, adieu! I
shall return soon, and see that you are properly waited upon. I have
lodged you in this little place, that you might be out of reach of
noises that would disturb you. Indeed I am to blame for this present
intrusion. The doctor has ordered you not to be visited, but--I--I
could not rest till I had seen the preserver of my life, and offered him
my thanks. Adieu, adieu! Come, Aurore!"
I was left alone, and lay reflecting upon the interview. It had
impressed me with a profound feeling of friendship for Eugenie
Besancon;--more than friendship--sympathy: for I could not resist the
belief that, somehow or other, she was in peril--that over that young
heart, late so light and gay, a cloud was gathering.
I felt for her regard, friendship, sympathy,--nothing more. And why
nothing more? Why did I not love her, young, rich, beautiful? Why?
Because I loved another--_I loved Aurore_!