She was raised up and laid upon the bed, but since then she has neither moved nor spoken." "That is not all," said De Breulh, who had watched his cousin keenly.
The Viscountess started, and avoided meeting her cousin's eye.
"I do not understand," she faltered.

"Why do you look at me like that ?" De Breulh, who had been pacing up and down the room, suddenly halted in front of the Viscountess.
"My dear Clotilde," said he, "I am sure when I tell you that the tongue of scandal has often been busy with your name, I am telling you nothing new." "Pooh!" answered the Viscountess.

"What do I care for that ?" "But I always defended you.

You are indiscreet--your presence here tonight shows this; but you are, after all, a true woman,--brave and true as steel." "What do you mean by this exordium, Gontran ?" "This, Clotilde,--I want to know if I dare venture to intrust to you a secret which involves the honor of two persons, and, perhaps, the lives of more." "Thank you, Gontran," answered she calmly.

"You have formed a correct judgment of me." But here Andre felt that he must interpose, and, taking a step forward, said, "Have you the right to speak ?" "My dear Andre," said De Breulh, "this is a matter in which my honor is as much concerned as yours.