Obtain from Madame--from Madame, who is so clement and so generous,--obtain her pardon for you whom she has just surprised also.

You are both free, love each other, be happy!" The princess felt for a moment a despair that cannot be described; it was repugnant to her, notwithstanding the exquisite delicacy which Raoul had exhibited, to feel herself at the mercy of one who had discovered such an indiscretion.

It was equally repugnant to her to accept the evasion offered by this delicate deception.

Agitated, nervous, she struggled against the double stings of these two troubles.

Raoul comprehended her position, and came once more to her aid.