forget what you were

accused of ?”

“Plots. Though the just Heaven knows I am innocent of any. Is

it likely? Who would think of plotting with a poor little weak

creature like me?”

The forlorn smile with which she said it, so touched him, that

tears started from his eyes.

“I am not afraid to die, Citizen Evremonde, but I have done

nothing. I am not unwilling to die, if the Republic which is to do so

much good to us poor, will profit by my death; but I do not know

how that can be, Citizen Evremonde. Such a poor weak little

creature!”

As the last thing on earth that his heart was to warm and soften

to, it warmed and softened to this pitiable girl.

“I heard you were released, Citizen Evremonde. I hoped it was

true?”

“It was. But, I was again taken and condemned.”

“If I may ride with you, Citizen Evremonde, will you let me hold

your hand? I am not afraid, but I am little and weak, and it will

give me more courage.”

As the patient eyes were lifted to his face, he saw a sudden

doubt in them, and then astonishment. He pressed the work-worn

hunger-worn young fingers, and touched his lips.

“Are you dying for him?” she whispered.

“And his wife and child. Hush! Yes.”

“O you will let me hold your brave hand, stranger?”

“Hush! Yes, my poor sister; to the last.”