"
Just then Mr. Rolles made a convulsive movement with his arm, which
convinced Francis that he was only drugged, and was beginning to
throw off the influence of the opiate. Mr. Vandeleur stooped over
him and examined his face for an instant.
"Come, come!" cried he, raising his head. "Let there be an end of
this. And since you are so pleased with his conduct, Miss
Vandeleur, take a candle and show the bastard out."
The young lady hastened to obey.
"Thank you," said Francis, as soon as he was alone with her in the
garden. "I thank you from my soul. This has been the bitterest
evening of my life, but it will have always one pleasant
recollection."
"I spoke as I felt," she replied, "and in justice to you. It made
my heart sorry that you should be so unkindly used."
By this time they had reached the garden gate; and Miss Vandeleur,
having set the candle on the ground, was already unfastening the
bolts.
"One word more," said Francis. "This is not for the last time - I
shall see you again, shall I not?"
"Alas!" she answered. "You have heard my father. What can I do
but obey?"
"Tell me at least that it is not with your consent," returned
Francis; "tell me that you have no wish to see the last of me."
"Indeed," replied she, "I have none. You seem to me both brave and
honest."
"Then," said Francis, "give me a keepsake."
She paused for a moment, with her hand upon the key; for the
various bars and bolts were all undone, and there was nothing left
but to open the lock.
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