The princess, however, was near fainting, and was obliged to lean upon the foot of the bed for support.

No one ventured to support her.

This scene occupied several minutes of terrible suspense.

But Raoul broke it.
He went up to the count, whose inexpressible emotion made his knees tremble, and taking his hand, "Dear count," said he, "tell Madame I am too unhappy not to merit pardon; tell her also that I have loved in the course of my life, and that the horror of the treachery that has been practiced on me renders me inexorable towards all other treachery that may be committed around me.

This is why, mademoiselle," said he, smiling to Montalais, "I never would divulge the secret of the visits of my friend to your apartment.