All things are hurried, like the convulsions of the
nation. In the midst of such dangers as ours the ties that bind should
be stronger than under the ordinary course of life. In Paris during
the Terror, every one came to know the full meaning of a clasp of the
hand as men do on a battle-field."
"People felt the necessity of living fast and ardently," she answered,
"for they had little time to live." Then, with a glance at her
companion which seemed to tell him that the end of their short
intercourse was approaching, she added, maliciously: "You are very
well informed as to the affairs of life, for a young man who has just
left the Ecole Polytechnique!"
"What are you thinking of me?" he said after a moment's silence. "Tell
me frankly, without disguise."
"You wish to acquire the right to speak to me of myself," she said
laughing.
"You do not answer me," he went on after a slight pause. "Take care,
silence is sometimes significant."
"Do you think I cannot guess all that you would like to say to me?
Good heavens! you have already said enough."
"Oh, if we understand each other," he replied, smiling, "I have
obtained more than I dared hope for."
She smiled in return so graciously that she seemed to accept the
courteous struggle into which all men like to draw a woman. They
persuaded themselves, half in jest, half in earnest, that they never
could be more to each other than they were at that moment.
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