human
Stay, Lieutenant, he said in a low voice.
gpt
It strikes me all at once that my silence may possibly be unjust. If I thought your statement embraced all the circumstances of the case, I should not hesitate to accept it, but I fear that you do not know how far my grievances extend.
human
I am certain that I know all,
gpt
This can be easily ascertained if you will answer me a few questions. You called upon Lieutenant-Governor Cramahé early on the morning of the seventh?
human
I did so.
gpt
You delivered to him a parcel of letters purporting to have come from Colonel Arnold, the commander of the Bastonnais?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
Some of those letters were addressed to citizens of Quebec?
human
They were.
gpt
You know the names of those citizens?
human
I do not.
gpt
Did not the Lieutenant-Governor open the letters before you.
human
He did.
gpt
And read them?
human
Yes, and read them.
gpt
The Lieutenant-Governor opened and read the letters in my presence and, after reading, made his comments aloud, but in no instance did he reveal the name of the persons to whom the letters were addressed, so that I am, to this moment, in profound ignorance of them. Except by inference from what has occurred between us, I should not know that one of those letters was addressed to you, and, indeed, as yet I have no positive proof that such was the case.
human
Such is the case, cried M. Belmont in a voice of thunder.
gpt
I received such a letter and it has brought me into trouble. I was summoned to the Chateau in the face of the whole city. I have been suspected and threatened, and the consequence is that I have been driven to....
human
Stop, M. Belmont, said Hardinge quietly, and interposing his hand.
gpt
Tell me nothing of your plans. I do not want to know them. I will do my duty to my King and Country. I believe you will do yours, but should your principles lead you to another course, I prefer to ignore the fact, and thus avoid becoming your enemy.
human
You are not and will not be my enemy, exclaimed M. Belmont, clasping the extended hand of Hardinge in both of his, and then embracing him on the cheek.
gpt
I owe you a full apology. My suspicions were cruelly unjust, but you have dispelled them. My treatment of you this evening was outrageous, and I beg you to pardon me. Your explanations are thoroughly satisfactory. You did your duty as a soldier in delivering those letters to the Lieutenant-Governor, and even if you had known to whom they were addressed, your obligation would have been no less.
human
I did not need to be told my duty, said Hardinge with just a shade of haughtiness, which he immediately qualified by adding,
gpt
You have my unqualified approval, Lieutenant. Although you were the indirect instrument of the crisis through which I am passing, I am satisfied that you are clear of the imputation of traitor and spy to me which I had charged upon you in my indignation and despair. We are on the eve of important events. Within a few days war with all its anxieties and horrors will be upon us. You have high duties to perform both as a citizen and a soldier. Perform them with all the energy of your nature. It is your sacred duty. I will watch your course with the deepest interest. Your successes will be a source of personal pleasure to me, and I sincerely trust that no harm will befall you.