But shall I not see him, aunt, before he
is sent away?"
"Alas, no! The Governor, while kind, is inexorable on one point.
He will permit no one, after this, to see Le Gardeur, to express
either blame or approval of his deed, or to report his words. He
will forbid you and me and his nearest friends from holding any
communication with him before he leaves the Colony. The Count has
remitted his case to the King, and resolved that it shall be
accompanied by no self-accusation which Le Gardeur may utter in his
frantic grief. The Count does this in justice as well as mercy,
Amelie."
"Then I shall never see my brother more in this world,--never!"
exclaimed Amelie, supporting herself on the arm of Heloise. "His
fate is decided as well as mine, and yours too, O Heloise."
"It may not be so hard with him as with us, Amelie," replied
Heloise, whose bosom was agitated with fresh emotions at every
allusion to Le Gardeur. "The King may pardon him, Amelie." Heloise
in her soul hoped so, and in her heart prayed so.
"Alas! If we could say God pardoned him!" replied Amelie, her
thoughts running suddenly in a counter-current.
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