This is nothing," said he, alluding to his haggard appearance.

"It is here that you should read," he struck his breast, then passing his hands over his brow and his eyes, as if to exorcise a nightmare.

"You are right.

I must be calm, or I am lost." After a prolonged silence, during which he seemed to have gathered together his thoughts and to collect his will, for his voice had become decided and sharp, he began: "You know that I am here unknown to any one, even to my wife." "I know it," replied Dorsenne.

"I have just left the Countess.