Belle-Rose — page 98: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

we THE LIGHTING OF A PASSION. 87 my soul, the man who has come near causing my death, after having killed Monsieur de Villebrais, has now a double account to settle with me.’ Belle-Rose gazed at the lady in astonishment. She was frowning, her lips were contracted, and from her cheeks a feverish blush had just chased the pallor. ‘‘Monsieu1 de Villebrais!’’ exclaimed Belle-Rose, raising himself slightly. ~ ‘Po you know him?”’ said the unknown. ‘**An officer in the artillery?’’ added the wounded man. ‘‘Precisely. An officer in the artillery whom I was ex- pecting at the chateau; his murderer has fled; but I know well how to reach him wherever he conceals himself.”’ ‘It is then his life you wish, madame?’’ _. ‘‘Certainly! after the crime, ths punishment.”’ ‘Take it, then!’’ exclaimed Belle-Rose, ‘‘for I am he. whom you seek.’’ . “You! but you have struck him from behind!’’ ‘*{ struck Monsieur de Villebrais in front, sword clash- ing sword, and if I have struck him, ’tis because he had insulted a woman.’ ‘‘Some grisette!’’ ‘‘My sister, madame,”’ ‘Eh! what matters it to me? What difference makes it though it was your sister?”’ ‘‘Madame!’’ exclaimed Belle-Rose, ‘‘I have delivered my life to you, but I have not deliver ed to you the honor of my family. Have me killed, if you like, but do not insult me.’”’ Belle-Rose was standing; an extraordinary emotion ani- mated his countenance, and over his pale forehead filtered some drops of blood; the brilliancy of his eyes, the au- thority of his gesture, the bold expression of his voice, awed the unknown lady. She who seemed accustomed to command, hesitated, her eyes fixed upon that young face full of strength and resolution. She felt moved even to the depth of her heart, and was astonished to no longer find movement or speech to answer the daring youth who dominated her. Seeing her silent, Belle-Rose forgot his indignation; a sweet smile passed over his colorless lips, and bowing with a grace full of simplicity, he said: ‘‘Pardon, madame, I was defending my sister against your anger, but I abandon the brother to your vengeance, ”’ The eyes of the unknown lady softened; she quivered : all over, and murmured, in a voice inexpressibly sweet: EOmichboo ¢s) (E(0)