"Ten minutes," said David, "is given me in which to do
what I would devote years to achieve. I will not any I pity
you, mademoiselle; it would not be true — 1 love you. I
cannot ask love from you yet, but let me rescue you from this
cruel man, and, in time, love may come. 1 think I hflve a
future, I wffl not always be a shepherd. For the present f



22 STORIES FROM O. HENRY

will cherish you with all my heart and make your life less sad.
Will you trust your fate to me, mademoiselle ?"

"Ah, you would sacrifice yourself from pity!"

"Prom love. The time is almost up, mademoiselle."

"You will regret it, and despise me."

" I will live only to make you happy, and myself worthy of
you."

Her fine small hand crept into his from beneath her cloak.
"I will trust you," she breathed, "with my life. And —
and love — may not be so far off as you think. Tell him.
Once away from the power of his eyes I may forget."

David went and stood before the marquis. The black figure
stirred, and the mocking eyes glanced at the great hall clock.
