She knew that was my impression." "And you would have married her--actually married her ?" "I--I--hardly dared to hope...." "_Ciel_! it is almost beyond belief.

And you never inquired into her past history ?" "Never.

Why should I ?" "Monsieur de Marignan holds a government appointment in Algiers, and has been absent more than four years.

He is, I understand, expected back shortly, on leave of absence." I conquered my agitation by a supreme effort.
"Madame," I said, "I thank you.

It now only remains for me to explain my intrusion.