See----" she stripped rings from her fingers and proffered them--"take them." "Mademoiselle," said the young man sadly, "you wrong me." "Well, if it was not for murder or for gain, for what cause did you take so frightful a risk ?" "Is there no other motive, mademoiselle, that makes men risk their lives than revenge or greed ?" "What do you mean ?" "Love." "But you said you did not know this was my room!" The words came from her impetuously and before she thought she realized when it was too late.
"Ah, mademoiselle, love of woman is a great passion.

I know it only too well, too sadly.

But it is not the only love." "Have you another in your heart ?" asked the Countess with a sinking in her own.
"Love of honor." "I don't understand." "And yet I know that you are the very soul of honor yourself." "I thank you, but----" "Mademoiselle," said the young man, coming to a sudden resolution, "appearances are frightfully against me.

That I should be here, in your room, at this hour of the night, under the circumstances, condemns me utterly in your opinion, especially as I have offered no adequate explanation.

I am about to throw myself on your mercy, to trust to your honor." "You shall not trust in vain, monsieur." "I know that.