But go I must.

My honour demands of me this sacrifice." And in answer to the look of astonishment that filled her wondrous eyes, I told her what I had told Andrea touching my parole to Montresor, and the necessity of its redemption.

As Andrea had done, she also dubbed it madness, but her glance was, nevertheless, so full of admiration, that methought to have earned it was worth the immolation of liberty--of life perchance; who could say?
"Before I go, Mademoiselle," I pursued, looking straight before me as I spoke, and dimly conscious that her glance was bent upon my face--"before I go, I fain would thank you for all that you have done for me here.

Your care has saved my life, Mademoiselle; your kindness, methinks, has saved my soul.

For it seems to me that I am no longer the same man whom Michelot fished out of the Loire that night two months ago.