But inspired
by her nature, which often impels a woman to do either too much or too
little under such circumstances, Mademoiselle de Verneuil, having
covered the young man with that brilliant look full of love's
promises, immediately withdrew from his answering expression into a
cold and severe modesty,--a conventional performance by which a woman
sometimes hides a true emotion. In a moment, a single moment, when
each expected to see the eyelids of the other lowered, they had
communicated to one another their real thoughts; but they veiled their
glances as quickly as they had mingled them in that one flash which
convulsed their hearts and enlightened them. Confused at having said
so many things in a single glance, they dared no longer look at each
other. Mademoiselle de Verneuil withdrew into cold politeness, and
seemed to be impatient for the conclusion of the meal.
"Mademoiselle, you must have suffered very much in prison?" said
Madame du Gua.
"Alas, madame, I sometimes think that I am still there."
"Is your escort sent to protect you, mademoiselle, or to watch you?
Are you still suspected by the Republic?"
Mademoiselle felt instinctively that Madame du Gua had no real
interest in her, and the question alarmed her.
"Madame," she replied, "I really do not know myself the exact nature
of my relations to the Republic.
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