Do not spare me!" "You are mistaken, Gorka," replied Dorsenne.

"What I have to say to you, I can say very simply.

I was, and I am, convinced that in a quarter of an hour, in an hour, tomorrow, the day after, you will consider me a liar or an imbecile.

But, since you misinterpreted my silence, it is my duty to speak, and I do so.

I give you my word of honor I have never had the least suspicion of a connection between Madame Steno and Maitland, nor have their relations seemed changed to me for a second since your absence.