Amelie resolved not to leave his side, but to cleave to him, and
inch by inch to fight the demons which possessed him until she got
the victory.
Le Gardeur looked fondly in the face of Amelie. He read her
thoughts, and was very conscious why she wished him not to go to the
village. His feelings gave way before her love and tenderness. He
suddenly embraced her and kissed her cheeks, while the tears stood
welling in his eyes. "I am not worthy of you, Amelie," said he; "so
much sisterly care is lost on me!"
"Oh, say not that, brother," replied she, kissing him fondly in
return. "I would give my life to save you, O my brother!"
Amelie was greatly moved, and for a time unable to speak further;
she laid her head on his shoulder, and sobbed audibly. Her love
gained the victory where remonstrance and opposition would have lost
it.
"You have won the day, Amelie!" said he; "I will not go to the
village except with you. You are the best and truest girl in all
Christendom! Why is there no other like you? If there were, this
curse had not come upon me, nor this trial upon you, Amelie! You
are my good angel, and I will try, oh, so faithfully try, to be
guided by you! If you fail, you will at least have done all and
more than your duty towards your erring brother.
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