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128 THE CONFESSION OF A FOOL
"And are you not ashamed? "
’*
I glory in it."
"She has told me that she loves you."
"I was aAvare of that. ... I am sorry for you. I
regret the possible consequences, but what am I to do ?
No doubt it is a deplorable business, but we are not guilty,
neither she nor I. When we discovered our danger, we
warned the Baron. Wasn’t that acting correctly?
"
"I’m not complaining of your conduct now, but I must
protect the honour of my daughter, of her child, of the
family! Surel}^ you don’t want to ruin us?
"
The poor old woman cried bitterly. She had put all
her eggs in one basket : the aristocratic alliance of her
daughter, which was to rehabilitate her own family. She
roused my compassion, and I succumbed to her sorrow.
"Command me," I said; "I will do whatever you
wish."
" Leave this place, go away from here, I implore you."
"I will do so, but on one condition."
"And that is?"
"That you will ask Miss Matilda to return to her
family."
" Is that an accusation?
"
" More than that, a denunciation. For I believe I’m
right in saying that her presence at the Baron’s house is
not conducive to happiness."
"I agree with you. Oh, that girl! I shall tell her
what I think of her ! But you, you will leave to-
morrow? "
"To-night, if you like."
At this stage the Baroness appeared, and unceremoni-
ously interrupted our conversation.
" You must stay ! You shall stay !
" she said impera-
tively. "Matilda must go! "
"Why? " asked her mother, in amazement.
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