I must
return to my guests, who are clamoring for me, or rather for you,
Caroline!"
He kissed her cheek and turned to leave her, but she clung to his
hand as if wanting to say something more ere he went. She trembled
visibly as her low plaintive tones struck his ear.
"Francois! if you would forsake the companionship of those men and
purify your table of such excess, God's blessing would yet descend
upon you, and the people's love follow you! It is in your power to
be as good as you are great! I have many days wished to say this to
you, but alas, I feared you too much. I do not fear you to-day,
Francois, after your kind words to me."
Bigot was not impenetrable to that low voice so full of pathos and
love. But he was at a loss what to reply: strange influences were
flowing round him, carrying him out of himself. He kissed the
gentle head that reclined on his bosom. "Caroline," said he, "your
advice is wise and good as yourself. I will think of it for your
sake, if not for my own. Adieu, darling! Go, and take rest: these
cruel vigils are killing you, and I want you to live in hope of
brighter days.
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