But we travelled at a gentle trot,
which, after that evening's furious riding, was welcome to me.
With bitterness I reflected as I rode that the very moment at which
Mademoiselle de Canaples had brought herself to think better of me was like
to prove the last we should spend together. Yet not altogether bitter was
that reflection; for with it came also the consolation--whereof I had told
her--that I had not been taken before she had had cause to change her mind
concerning me.
That she should care for me was too preposterous an idea to be nourished,
and, indeed, it was better--much better--that M. de Montr?sor had come
before I, grown sanguine as lovers will, had again earned her scorn by
showing her what my heart contained. Much better was it that I should pass
for ever out of her life--as, indeed, methought I was like to pass out of
all life--whilst I could leave in her mind a kind remembrance and a
grateful regret, free from the stain that a subsequent possible presumption
of mine might have cast o'er it.
Then my thoughts shifted to Andrea. St. Auban would hear of my removal,
and I cared not to think of what profit he might derive from it.
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