You fancy yourself on the high road to preferment; but you are on the verge of disgrace and ruin.

I alone can save you.

Choose, then, between compliance with my wishes, coupled with present protection and future advancement, and the consequences certain to attend your refusal.

Choose, I say, between my friendship and my enmity." "My answer shall be as prompt and decisive as your proposal, Count," replied Sir Jocelyn.

"I at once reject a friendship fettered with such conditions.