D'Ri and I by Irving Bacheller
page 84 of 261 (32%)
page 84 of 261 (32%)
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have much trouble--you do not know. I have to fight with myself."
"You have, then, a formidable enemy," I answered. "But I am not quarrelsome," said she, thoughtfully. "I am only weary of the life here. I should like to go away and be of some use in the world. I suppose it is wicked, for my papa wishes me to stay. And bah! it is a prison--a Hopital de Salpetriere!" "Ma'm'selle," I exclaimed, "if you talk like that I shall take you on my horse and fly with you. I shall come as your knight, as your deliverer, some day." "Alas!" said she, with a sigh, "you would find me very heavy. One has nothing to do here but grow lazy and--ciel!--fat." If my meeting with her sister had not made it impossible and absurd, I should have offered my heart to this fair young lady then and there. Now I could not make it seem the part of honor and decency. I could not help adoring her simplicity, her frankness, her beautiful form and face. "It is no prison for me," I said. "I do not long for deliverance. I cannot tell you how happy I have been to stay--how unhappy I shall be to leave." "Captain," she said quickly, "you are not strong; you are no soldier yet." "Yes; I must be off to the wars." |
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