Try to compose yourself, and listen to me.

I have something important to say--" (Trudaine looked at him incredulously.) "Important," continued Lomaque, "as affecting your sister's interests at this terrible crisis." That last appeal had an instantaneous effect.

Trudaine's outstretched hand dropped to his side, and a sudden change passed over his expression.
"Give me a moment," he said, faintly; and turning away, leaned against the wall and pressed his burning forehead on the chill, damp stone.

He did not raise his head again till he had mastered himself, and could say quietly, "Speak; I am fit to hear you, and sufficiently in my senses to ask your forgiveness for what I said just now." "When I left the tribunal and entered this room," Lomaque began in a whisper, "there was no thought in my mind that could be turned to good account, either for your sister or for you.

I was fit for nothing but to deplore the failure of the confession which I came to St.Lazare to suggest to you as your best plan of defense.