It was another to listen to her hard, pitiless words, to change colour under the lash of her gibing tongue.

For a moment I could not find voice to answer her.

Then I pointed to M.de Cocheforet.
'Do you love him ?' I said hoarsely, roughly.

The gibing tone had passed from her voice to mine.
She did not answer.
'Because if you do you will let me tell my tale.

Say no, but once more, Mademoiselle--I am only human--and I go.