Her bosom rose and fell in the intensity of her agitation.
"I was a woman distraught, Monsieur.

Surely you will not hold me to words uttered in an hour of madness.

It was a bargain I had no right to make, for I am no longer free to dispose of myself.

I am betrothed to the Vicomte Anatole d'Ombreval.

The contract has already been signed, and the Vicomte will be meeting us at Treves." It was as if she had struck him, and amazement left him silent a moment.