He declared with great emphasis that there was something in it all which he could not understand." "And you--what did you say ?" "I asked him if that was meant for any reflection on the honor of my family, for if it were I should accord him the pleasure of crossing swords with me and in the end run him through." "And he said----" "He disclaimed absolutely the idea.

He is as convinced of your sweetness, your innocence and purity, as I am." "And Captain Yeovil ?" "He lacks his father's insight and finesse.

He is young.

He takes matters as he sees them, and fancies Marteau the common, vulgar thief he appeared." "Impossible!" cried the Countess.

"He is----" "No doubt he is not especially prepossessed in favor of Monsieur Marteau, who has presumed to love you, and perhaps that accounts for his willingness to believe anything derogatory of him." "He is blind, and I----" "But you are not declining his hand on that account!" "No, the marriage stands.