The man Goguelat
insulted her. O, he had insulted me often, it was his favourite
pastime, and he might insult me as he pleased--for who was I? But
with that lady it was different. I could never forgive myself if I
had let it pass. And we fought, and he fell, and I have no
remorse.'
I waited anxiously for some reply. The worst was now out, and I
knew that she had heard of it before; but it was impossible for me
to go on with my narrative without some shadow of encouragement.
'You blame me?'
'No, not at all. It is a point I cannot speak on--I am only a
girl. I am sure you were in the right: I have always said so--to
Ronald. Not, of course, to my aunt. I am afraid I let her speak
as she will. You must not think me a disloyal friend; and even
with the Major--I did not tell you he had become quite a friend of
ours--Major Chevenix, I mean--he has taken such a fancy to Ronald!
It was he that brought the news to us of that hateful Clausel being
captured, and all that he was saying. I was indignant with him. I
said--I dare say I said too much--and I must say he was very good-
natured. He said, "You and I, who are his friends, KNOW that
Champdivers is innocent. But what is the use of saying it?" All
this was in the corner of the room in what they call an aside. And
then he said, "Give me a chance to speak to you in private, I have
much to tell you.
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