Lagroin came--and so it has
gone on till now, till now. I had a feeling what the end would be. But I
should have had my dream. I should have died for the cause as no Napoleon
or Bonaparte ever died. Like a man, I would pay the penalty Fate should
set. What more could I do? If a man gives all he has, is not that enough?
. . . There is my whole story. Now, I shall ask your pardon, dear Cure."
"You must ask pardon of God, my son," said the priest, his looks showing
the anguish he felt.
"The Little Chemist said two hours, but I feel"--his voice got very faint
"I feel that he is mistaken." He murmured a prayer, and crossed himself
thrice.
The Cure made ready to read the office for the dying. "My son," he said,
"do you truly and earnestly repent you of your sins?"
Valmond's eyes suddenly grew misty, his breathing heavier. He scarcely
seemed to comprehend.
"I have paid the price--I have loved you all. Parpon--where are
you?--Elise!"
A moment of silence, and then his voice rang out with a sort of sob. "Ah,
madame," he cried chokingly, "dear madame, for you I--"
Madame Chalice arose with a little cry, for she knew whom he meant, and
her heart ached for him.
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