CHAPTER III.
Madame "En paroles ou en actions, etre discret, c'est s'abstenir." It is to be presumed that the reader knows the usual result of such a tussle with the conscience as that upon which I now entered.

At various turning points in a chequered career I have met my conscience thus face to face, and am honest enough to confess that the victory has not always fallen to that ghostly monitor.
After favouring me with his ultimatum, the Vicomte looked at me expectantly.

I thought of Mademoiselle de Clericy's presence in that old house.

Who was I to turn my back on the good things that the gods gave me?
I hate your timid man who looks behind him on an unknown road.
"As Monsieur wills," I said, and with a sigh, almost of relief I thought, my companion rose.
"We will seek the Vicomtesse," he said.

"My wife will have pleasure in making your acquaintance.