I----" he hesitated, he stepped over to the young woman--"I return them to you, mademoiselle.

Her dowry, monsieur," he added, facing the Englishman, as he laid the packet down on the table by the side of the Countess Laure.
"Well, that's handsome of you," said the latter heartily.
"I cannot take them," ejaculated the young woman, just a touch of contempt for her obtuse English lover in her voice.

"I---- They are legally his.

We shall have no need----" "Nonsense," burst out the young English officer.

"They are rightfully yours.