Minute after minute passed, still he did not speak; and Madame was forced to break the monotony.

She was not sure that the countess could hold Maurice very long.
"Of what are you thinking, Monsieur ?" she asked, in a soft key.
He started, looked up and laid the pipe on the sill.

"Frankly, I was thinking that nothing can be gained by keeping us prisoners here." He told the lie rather diffidently.
"Not even forgiveness ?" The lids of the gray eyes drooped and the music ceased.
"Forgiveness?
O, there is nothing to forgive you; it is only your mistress I can not forgive.

On the contrary, there is much to thank you for." "Still, whatever I do or have done is merely in accordance with her Highness's wishes." He moved uneasily.

"It is her will, not yours." "Yes; the heart of Madame Amerbach is supine to the brain of Madame the duchess." She rose and moved silently to the window and peered out.