If I am betrayed, or if the story transpire, my
head will assuredly fall in the place of Lesperon's. This I will
risk, mademoiselle -I will do it gladly - if you will promise to
become my wife when it is done."
There was a moan from Roxalanne, then silence; then - "Oh, monsieur,
you are pitiless! What bargain is this that you offer me?"
"A fair one, surely," said that son of hell - "a very fair one. The
risk of my life against your hand in marriage."
"If you - if you truly loved me as you say, monsieur," she reasoned,
"you would serve me without asking guerdon."
"In any other thing I would. But is it fair to ask a man who is
racked by love of you to place another in your arms, and that at the
risk of his own life? Ah, mademoiselle, I am but a man, and I am
subject to human weaknesses. If you will consent, this Lesperon
shall go free, but you must see him no more; and I will carry my
consideration so far as to give you six months in which to overcome
your sorrow, ere I present myself to you again to urge my suit."
"And if I refuse, monsieur?"
He sighed.
"To the value which I set upon my life you must add my very human
jealousy. From such a combination what can you hope for?"
"You mean, in short, that he must die?"
"To-morrow," was that infernal cheat's laconic answer.
They were silent a little while, then she fell a-sobbing.
"Be pitiful, monsieur! Have mercy if you, indeed, love me. Oh, he
must not die! I cannot, I dare not, let him die! Save him, monsieur,
and I will pray for you every night of my life; I will pray for you
to our Holy Mother as I am now praying to you for him.
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