human
Now, my dear fellow! said the count to him,
gpt
Bah! In that case I should take you with me; you know that very well.
human
A woman, then?
gpt
Yes,
human
Excuse my importunity, and good-by.
gpt
I have wounded your feelings, dear friend?
human
Yes, said the count,
gpt
I certainly do not pretend to enter into your secrets; but I do not absolutely understand the tone of restraint, and almost of hostility, in which you are answering me on the subject of this journey. It is not, moreover, the first symptoms of that nature that strike and grieve me; for some time past, I find you visibly embarrassed in your intercourse with me; it seems as though I were in your way and my friendship were a burden to you, and the cruel idea has occurred to my mind that this journey is merely a way of putting an end to it.
human
Mon Dieu! murmured Lucan.
gpt
Well, then, he went on with evident agitation in his voice,
human
I must tell you the whole truth; I hoped that you would have guessed it--it is so simple. Your cousin, Clotilde, has now been a widow for nearly two years; that, I believe, is the term consecrated by custom to the mourning of a husband. I am aware of your feelings toward her; you may now marry her, and you will be perfectly right in doing so. Nothing seems to me more just, more natural, more worthy of her and of yourself. I beg to assure you that my friendship for you shall remain faithful and entire, but I trust you will not object to my keeping away for a short time. That's all.