And then, in the sympathy which the scene had naturally created between us, I forgot one portion of my lady's commands and I added impulsively, "All I know is that Madame d'O gave it me; and that it has done all, and more than all she said it would." "Who gave it to you ?" he asked, grasping my arm so tightly as to hurt me.
"Madame d'O," I repeated.

It was too late to draw back now.
"That woman!" he ejaculated in a strange low whisper.

"Is it possible?
That woman gave it you ?" I wandered what on earth he meant, surprise, scorn and dislike were so blended in his tone.

It even seemed to me that he drew off from me somewhat.

"Yes, M.de Pavannes," I replied, offended and indignant, "It is so far possible that it is the truth; and more, I think you would not so speak of this lady if you knew all; and that it was through her your wife was to-day freed from those who were detaining her, and taken safely home!" "Ha!" he cried eagerly.