"As I stand here alive before you," continued she, speaking with a more assured voice than she had hitherto used, "I have not whispered a word to man or woman upon this subject, but yourself." Eleanor had risen from her chair when her companion first expressed his suspicion, and she was now standing; but Robespierre remained seated, still shading his eyes with his hand, as though he had nothing further to say to her, and would wish to be alone.

She, however, felt that she could not leave him without some further explanation on her part, some retraction on his; but she knew not how to set about it.

The most eloquent men in France had found it difficult to explain anything to Robespierre's satisfaction.

No one had yet been able to make him retract the word which he had spoken.
"Say that you believe me, M.Robespierre," said she; "for mercy's sake, say that you do not doubt me! Do you not know that I would always obey you, that your words are always to me the words of truth?
I have done wrong, I doubt not, in speaking to you of public matters.

I beg your pardon, and promise that I will not so transgress again; but before I leave you, tell me that you do not distrust my fidelity." "I would still wish to hope, Eleanor, that you are truly anxious for the welfare of your country, and the safety of your friend," said he, still, however, without looking up.
"Indeed I am, most anxious; anxious above all things for your welfare and safety.