Let us be honest and
pretend to no counterfeit emotions. Let us recognize in this only
your deliverance and the certainty of that blessed happiness which
Divine Providence offers us both."
"Both?" she repeated, dully.
"Need I be plainer? You know my heart. You have read me. You
understand how I have throttled my longings and remained mute
while all my being called to you."
Alaire withdrew a step, and her cheeks colored with anger.
"General!" she exclaimed, with some difficulty, "I am amazed. This
is no time--" Her indignation rose with the sound of her own
voice, causing her to stammer.
Taking advantage of her loss of words, he hurried on: "You must
pardon my impetuosity, but I am a man of tremendous force, and my
life moves swiftly. I am not shackled by conventions--they are
less than nothing to me. If it seems to you that my eagerness
carries me away, remember that war is upon us and that affairs of
moment press me so that I am compelled to move like the lightning.
With me, senora, a day is a year. The past is gone, the present is
here, the future rushes forward to meet us."
"Indeed, you forget yourself," she said, warmly.
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