Let them, the
British Government at Quebec, proceed against him; he would have only one
trouble to meet, one to leave behind. He would not load this girl with
shame as well as sorrow. Her love itself was affliction enough to her.
This adventure was serious; a bullet might drop him; the law might remove
him: so he would leave here at once.
He was about to open the window, when he heard a door shut below, and the
thud of heavy steps outside the house. Drawing back, he waited until he
heard the foot of Elise upon the stair. She came in without a light, and
at first did not see him. He heard her gasp. Stepping forward a little,
he said:
"I am here, Elise. Come."
She trembled as she came. "Oh, monsieur--your Excellency!" she whispered;
"oh, you cannot go down, for my mother sits ill by the fire. You cannot
go out that way."
He took both her hands. "No matter. Poor child, you are trembling! Come."
He drew her towards the couch. She shrank back. "Oh no, monsieur, oh--I
die of shame!"
"There is no need, Elise," he answered gently, and he sat on the edge of
the couch, and drew her to his side. "Let us say good-night.
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