human
Not having the disadvantage of being an old wolf, and still less an old thief, said Rodin, quietly,
gpt
You don't say!
human
Never, resumed Rodin coolly;
gpt
Let this assurance which you give me of the prince's love, said Adrienne interrupting Rodin with an enchanting smile,
human
It may be that I need neither absolution nor punishment, for, as I have already had the honor to observe to the count, my dear young lady, the future will justify my acts. Yes; it was my duty to tell the prince that you loved another than himself, and to tell you that he loved another than yourself--all in your mutual interest. That my attachment for you may have misled me, is possible--I am not infallible; but, after my past conduct towards you, my dear young lady, I have, perhaps, some right to be astonished at seeing myself thus treated. This is not a complaint. If I never justify myself, I never complain either.
gpt
Now really, there is something heroic in all this, my good sir, said the count.
human
You do not condescend to complain or justify yourself, with regard to the evil you have done.
gpt
The evil I have done? said Rodin, looking fixedly at the count.
human
Are we playing at enigmas?
gpt
What, sir! cried the count, with indignation:
human
And will you do me the honor to tell me, sir, what interest I could have in all this despair and error, admitting even that I had wished to produce them?
gpt
Some great interest no doubt, said the count, bluntly;
human
That is really too much, sir, said Rodin, bowing;
gpt
I should be quite contented with the profit.
human
Your impudent coolness will not deceive me; this is a serious matter, said the count.
gpt
It is impossible that so perfidious a piece of roguery can be an isolated act. Who knows but this may still be one of the fruits of Madame de Saint-Dizier's hatred for Mdlle. de Cardoville?
human
We are told, sir, that happy love works miracles. I should be tempted to believe it; for, after some minutes' reflection, and when I recall certain circumstances, your conduct appears to me in quite a new light.
gpt
And what may this new perspective be, my dear young lady?
human
That you may see it from my point of view, sir, allow me to remind you of a few facts. That sewing-girl was generously devoted to me; she had given me unquestionable proofs of her attachment. Her mind was equal to her noble heart; but she had an invincible dislike to you. All on a sudden she disappears mysteriously from my house, and you do your best to cast upon her odious suspicions. M. de Montbron has a paternal affection for me; but, as I must confess, little sympathy for you; and you have always tried to produce a coldness between us. Finally, Prince Djalma has a deep affection for me, and you employ the most perfidious treachery to kill that sentiment within him. For what end do you act thus? I do not know; but certainly with some hostile design.
gpt
It appears to me, madame, said Rodin, severely,
human
I do not deny, sir, that you took me from the house of Dr. Baleinier; but, a few days sooner or later, I must infallibly have been released by M. de Montbron.
gpt
You are right, my dear child, said the count;
human
You are drowning, and I save you--it is all a mistake to feel grateful, said Rodin, bitterly;
gpt
The comparison is wanting in exactness, said Adrienne, with a smile;
human
Very good, my dear child!
gpt
I know, sir, that your care did not extend to me only. The daughters of Marshal Simon were brought back by you; but we may imagine that the claim of the Duke de Ligny to the possession of his daughters would not have been in vain. You returned to an old soldier his imperial cross, which he held to be a sacred relic; it is a very touching incident. Finally, you unmasked the Abbe d'Aigrigny and Dr. Baleinier: but I had already made up my mind to unmask then. However, all this proves that you are a very clever man--
human
Oh, madame!
gpt
Full of resources and invention--
human
Oh, madame!
gpt
It is not my fault if, in our long interview at Dr. Baleinier's, you betrayed that superiority of mind which struck me so forcibly, and which seems to embarrass you so much at present. What would you have, sir?--great minds like yours find it difficult to maintain their incognito. Yet, as by different ways--oh! very different, added the young lady, maliciously,
human
Good advice and frankness are always excellent things.
gpt
You see, sir, resumed Adrienne, with some excitement,
human
added the young girl, with a smile of indescribable grace and meaning--
gpt
The meaning of this comparison has quite escaped me,
human
I will speak more plainly, said Adrienne, with a smile.
gpt
Suppose, sir, that the last is a service which you have rendered me and the prince--for you only proceed by way of services--that, I acknowledge, is novel and ingenious.
human
Bravo, my dear child! said the count, joyfully.
gpt
The execution will be complete.
human
Oh! this is meant for an execution?
gpt
No, sir, answered Adrienne, with a smile;
human
added the young girl, in a serious tone,
gpt
So we pass from the execution to suppositions,
human
And from suppositions, sir, if you must have it, to certainty, resumed Adrienne, with dignified firmness;
gpt
It would be an imprudent frankness if I were your enemy, said Rodin, still impassible;
human
My advice will be short; do not attempt to continue the struggle, because, you see, there is something stronger than you and yours--it is a woman's resolve, defending her happiness.
gpt
My dear young lady, we may perhaps never meet again; it is probable. Only remember one thing, which I now repeat to you: I never justify myself. The future will provide for that. Notwithstanding which, my dear young lady, I am your humble servant;
human
Count, I beg to salute you most respectfully,
gpt
I shall not see the prince before to-morrow--as much from superstition of the heart as because it is necessary for my plans that this interview should be attended with some little solemnity. You shall know all; but I write to him on the instant, for, with an enemy like M. Rodin, one must be prepared for all.
human
You are right, my dear child; quick! the letter.
gpt
I tell him enough, said she,
human
All this has as much sense as heart in it: I will hasten to the prince's abode, to deliver your letter. I shall not see him, for I could not answer for myself. But come! our proposed drive, our evening's amusement, are still to hold good.
gpt
Certainly. I have more need than ever to divert my thoughts till to morrow. I feel, too, that the fresh air will do me good, for this interview with M. Rodin has warmed me a little.
human
The old wretch! but we will talk further of him. I will hasten to the prince's and return with Madame de Morinval, to fetch you to the Champs Elysees.