At last, when M.de Rosny's impatience had reached a high pitch, the marquis seemed impelled to add something.

'You quite understand M.de Rosny ?' he said.

'Without saying anything disparaging of M.de Marsac, who is, no doubt, a man of honour'-- and he bowed to me very low--'this is a delicate matter, and you will introduce no one into it, I am sure, whom you cannot trust as yourself.' 'Precisely,' M.de Rosny replied, speaking drily, yet with a grand air which fully matched his companion's.

'I am prepared to trust this gentleman not only with my life but with my honour.' 'Nothing more remains to be said then,' the marquis rejoined, bowing to me again.

'I am glad to have been the occasion of a declaration so flattering to you, sir.' I returned his salute in silence, and obeying M.de Rosny's muttered direction put on, my cloak and sword.