Collected Works (Vol. III)

THE SIRE DE MALETROIT’S DOOR 83 dew falling on my heart? You have seen whether I fear death. No love worth Love’s name ever yet needed to be asked. And yet—in words! If you care for me at all, do not let me lose my life in a misappre- hension! Tho’ I would die for you blithely, faith, I had rather live on—in your service. Can you love me a little? Fool! Fool! Ay, there’s a pair of us—why do we wait here and let our happiness stand in the cold and knock at our door all night? BLANCHE. Don’t! Don’t make me more miserable and hopeless than I am. [DENYS determines to make a general advance. DENYS. [Zenderly.| Little fool ! [He waits. She struggles in herself ; and at last ruefuland pouting, gets up and stands before him downcast, rubbing her eyes. He takes full advantage of hts position. [ith mock severity.) Aren’t youashamed of yourself ? BLANCHE. [ Sobbia7¢.| After all you have heard? DENYS. [With double entendre.) 1 have heard nothing. [He opens his arms to her. She still stands about to sob again, breaks down, but this time flings herself on him and sobs on his breast. Enter ALAIN unseen. [Softly.] My darling! [BLANCHE ratses her face. DENYS goes to kiss her, but she draws back. BLANCHE. The captain’s name was Florimond de Cham pdivers. DENYS. I did not hear it. [A jawse.] Blanche, will you kiss me? [They take one long look and then tenderly and very deliberately kiss. They remain sa, silently delighting an each other. ALAIN, [Comes forward with a chuckle.) Good morning, nephew ! [They leap up covered with confusion, recover their self- possession, and curtsey and bow respectfully, hand in hand. CURTAIN.