Volume Ii Part 60 (1/2)
Then, handing Bathilde a bundle which he had thus far kept out of sight, he said:
”Put this in the fireplace, madame, and set fire to it at once.”
”What, monsieur! this garment?”
”Be good enough to obey me, madame; everything that I ask you to do at this moment is of more importance than you suppose.”
The young woman did what the count ordered. The olive-green cloak was soon in a blaze. As he watched it burn, Leodgard seemed to breathe more freely, and when it was entirely consumed he muttered:
”Good! now there is nothing else to betray me except his sword. That cannot be burned; but it may at least be hidden from all eyes.”
And having carefully concealed the short sword under his coverlid, Leodgard held out his hand to Bathilde, who took it and pressed it to her heart, hardly able to credit that mark of affection on her husband's part.
”I have caused you much unhappiness, Bathilde,” said Leodgard, pausing frequently between his words; ”but heaven has punished me! I shall cause you no more after this!”
”Mon Dieu! monsieur le comte, what do you mean? Your wound is not dangerous, I hope?”
”No, Bathilde, no; be not alarmed. But now, when we are alone, I am anxious to let you know that I repent of my wrongdoing--that I implore your forgiveness.”
”O Leodgard! dear Leodgard! If it is true that you have come back at last to stay with us always--if my presence is no longer offensive to you--am I not the happiest of women?--It is not for me to forgive you, but I offer you all my love as in the old days!”
”Thanks, Bathilde, thanks! Our daughter is an angel. I love her--ah!
yes, I love her with all my heart! Dear child!--You will send her to me to-morrow, as soon as she wakes, will you not?”
”As soon as you wish, my dear.”
”Oh! let her sleep; do not disturb her rest.--And now, listen to me, Bathilde; I must see the Sire de Jarnonville at the earliest possible moment. Write him a line--ask him to come here, without giving him any details. Send to him at daybreak. You understand? beg him to come at once.”
”You shall be obeyed, my dear; and the Sire de Jarnonville is such a kind friend to us, that I doubt not that he will hasten to gratify your wish.”
”That is well. As soon as Jarnonville arrives, let him be sent to me.
And now, Bathilde, return to your rest.”
”Do you expect me to leave you, my dear, when you are wounded? Oh! I entreat you, let me sit up with you, let me pa.s.s the night by your side.--And then, too, it seems to me that we should send for the doctor.”
”I tell you again, madame, that you would aggravate my condition by doing so. And you do not wish to do that, I think?”
”What I would like, monsieur le comte, would be to have your wound examined. You seem to be in pain.”
”You are mistaken.--Follow my instructions, and do not go beyond them.--Adieu, Bathilde!”
”You wish me to leave you?”
”I do. But first--come nearer--let me kiss your forehead.”
”Dear Leodgard! I am so happy!”
The wounded man put his pallid lips to Bathilde's brow; then he motioned to her to go, whispering:
”Jarnonville--at daybreak--do not forget!”