His agitation was so great that he returned the paper to his wife without replying, without attempting to prevent, as was his duty, the insult offered to his former mistress, whom he still loved to the point of risking his life for her.

That man, so brave and so yielding at once, was overwhelmed by one of those surprises which put to flight all the powers of the mind, and he watched Maud slip the note into an envelope, write the address and ring.

He heard her say to the servant: "You will take this note to Countess Steno and you will excuse me to the ladies....

I feel too indisposed to receive any one.

If they insist, you will reply that I have forbidden you to admit any one.