But his hearer in this instance knew him only too well.

She knew that Jerome Cagliari was most to be feared when he professed the noblest sentiments.
Rising from his chair, he added, as if it were a matter of the most trifling importance: "This afternoon I will send my secretary to you." "Your secretary ?" repeated Blanka, with a start.

"Pray send me anybody but him,--a notary, a strange lawyer, an attorney's clerk, a servant.

I will receive your instructions from any of these, but not from your secretary." "And why not from him ?" "Because I hate him." "Then you hate the man who is your best friend in all the world,--yes, even a better friend than I myself.

If I were to ask heaven for a son I could pray for no more excellent young man than he.