"This behaviour on both your parts is positive madness.

Prince Ivan, please to listen to me.
The circumstances of Zara's death were plainly witnessed by me and others--her brother is as innocent of having caused it as I am." And I recounted to him quietly all that had happened during that fatal and eventful evening.

He listened moodily, tracing out the pattern of the carpet with the point of his sword.

When I had finished he looked up, and a bitter smile crossed his features.
"I wonder, mademoiselle," he said, "that your residence in this accursed house has not taught you better.

I quite believe all you say, that Zara, unfortunate girl that she was, received her death by a lightning-flash.