Believe me, monsieur."
I handed her my flask. "Drink more," I commanded. I took the blanket
and wrapped it around her though the air was still warm. "You must not
let yourself have chills in this fashion if you would save your
strength. Madame, I believe nothing about you that is not brave and
admirable. Are you Madame Starling, and is Benjamin your husband that
you took his name to shield you, and even repeated the name in your
dreams?"
She looked at me, and I felt rebuked for something that had been in my
tone. "I am unmarried," she said steadily. "Benjamin Starling is a
cousin. Monsieur, there is nothing left either of us but to let me go.
Oh, if I could live this day over and be more careful! How was it, how
was it that I let you know?"
I walked away. A frightened mink ran across my feet, and I cursed at
it. Then I walked back.
"You did not let me know," I said, and I stooped to pick up her bundle.
"I know nothing. I was always the blindest of men. Come, Monsieur
Starling, let us go back to camp."
Again she put her hands to her throat. "You mean that?"
I took the bundle in my arm. "It is the only way. Come, monsieur."
"I cannot."
"I think that you must.
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