of the maxim, 'L'absence éteint les petites passions et allume les grandes.' Which was his?
'You have been so good to me,' he murmured caressingly, 'so benevolent, so merciful, I dare to ask of you a greater kindness yet. Will you explain for me to the Countess von Szalras that I am called away suddenly, and make my excuses and my farewell? It will save me much fruitless pain.'
'And if it give her pain?'
'I cannot suppose that, and I should not dare to hope it.'
'I have no reason to suppose it either, but I think you are de guerre las before the battle is decided.'
'There is no battle possible for me. There is only a quite certain dishonour.'
His face was dark and weary. He spoke low and with effort. She glanced at him, and felt the vague awe with which strong unintelligible emotion always filled her.
'You must judge the question for yourself,' she said with a little hesitation. 'I will express what you wish to my niece if you really desire it.'
'You are always so good to me,' he murmured, with some agitation, and he bent down before her and reverently kissed her little white hands.
