"You have no threat can move me." "I am not sure of that," Tavannes answered, more blandly.

"But had you listened to me and been less anxious to be brave, M.La Tribe, where no danger is, you had learned that here is no call for heroics! Mademoiselle is willing, and will tell you so." "With her own lips ?" Count Hannibal raised his eyebrows.

"With her own lips, if you will," he said.

And then, advancing a step and addressing her, with unusual gravity, "Mademoiselle de Vrillac," he said, "you hear what this gentleman requires.

Will you be pleased to confirm what I have said ?" She did not answer, and in the intense silence which held the room in its freezing grasp a woman choked, another broke into weeping.