I have confessed to you that my memory is short, but the thought certainly lingered in my mind that, at the time of the Marquis' death, I entreated you for an explanation of those same noisome popular rumours.

If that same memory does not, even now, play me a trick, I fancy that you refused me ALL explanation then, and demanded of my love a humiliating allegiance it was not prepared to give." "I wished to test your love for me, and it did not bear the test.

You used to tell me that you drew the very breath of life but for me, and for love of me." "And to probe that love, you demanded that I should forfeit mine honour," he said, whilst gradually his impassiveness seemed to leave him, his rigidity to relax; "that I should accept without murmur or question, as a dumb and submissive slave, every action of my mistress.

My heart overflowing with love and passion, I ASKED for no explanation--I WAITED for one, not doubting--only hoping.

Had you spoken but one word, from you I would have accepted any explanation and believed it.