"You have been deceived." M.de Mussidan laughed a grim and terrible laugh.
"Not so," answered he; "I have every proof.

This seems strange to you, does it?
You have always looked upon me as one of those foolish husbands that may be duped without suspicion on their parts.

You thought that you had placed a veil over my eyes, but I could see through it when you little suspected that I could do so.

Why did I not tell you this before?
Because I had not ceased to love you, and this fatal love was stronger than all honor, pride, and even self-respect." He poured out this tirade with inconceivable rapidity, and the Countess listened to it in awe-struck silence.

"I kept silence," continued the Count, "because I knew that on the day I uttered the truth you would be entirely lost to me.