It is not my place to overwhelm the poor devil--we owe some consideration to those who are under obligations to us; and, once more, I desire not to appear further in this business.

Promise me that Samuel Brohl never will be informed of the measures I have taken." She replied, in a haughty tone: "I promise you, madame, that I never will do Count Larinski the wrong to repeat to him a single word of the very likely story you have related to me." The princess rose hastily, remained standing before Mlle.

Moriaz, and contemplated her in silence; finally she said, in tones of the most cutting sarcasm: "Ah! you do not believe me, my dear.

Decidedly you do not believe me.

You are right; you should not put faith in an old woman's childish chatter.