One cannot help admiring his diabolical sagacity and unfailing logic.

From the most trivial event he forges a long chain of evidence, as the botanist is able, as he picks up a withered leaf, to describe in detail the tree it came from.

A pity, almost, that he did not turn his talents to some nobler end; but no; he is now upstairs putting the Count on the rack, while I am inflicting tortures on the Countess.

What a shameful business we are carrying on! There are moments when I think that I have paid dearly for my life of luxury, for I know well," he added, half consciously fingering his locket, "that some day we shall meet some one stronger than ourselves, and then the inevitable will ensue." The reappearance of the Countess broke the chain of his thoughts.

Her hair was disturbed, her eyes had a wild look in them, and everything about her betrayed the state of agitation she was in.
"Robbed! robbed!" cried she, as she entered the room.