de Kercadiou.
M. de Kercadiou, with his niece's future to consider, went to read
the paper in the garden, taking up there a position whence he could
keep the couple within sight - as his obligations seemed to demand
of him - whilst being discreetly out of earshot.
The Marquis made the most of an opportunity that might be brief.
He quite frankly declared himself, and begged, implored to be taken
back into Aline's good graces, to be admitted at least to the hope
that one day before very long she would bring herself to consider
him in a nearer relationship.
"Mademoiselle," he told her, his voice vibrating with a feeling
that admitted of no doubt, "you cannot lack conviction of my utter
sincerity. The very constancy of my devotion should afford you
this. It is just that I should have been banished from you, since
I showed myself so utterly unworthy of the great honour to which
I aspired. But this banishment has nowise diminished my devotion.
If you could conceive what I have suffered, you would agree that
I have fully expiated my abject fault.
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