"Thanks," said she, "for this inquiry; it proves to me that you are a man of delicacy, and that you have not sought information concerning me from any one else."
"Never, Madame," said Maurice. "I have a devoted friend who would die for me; I have a hundred comrades ready to follow wherever I may lead them,—but among all these hearts, when a woman is concerned, and above all, such a woman as Geneviève, I know but one I would trust, and that one is my own."
"Thanks, Maurice," said the young woman, "I will myself tell you, then, all you desire to know."
"Your maiden name first," said Maurice. "I only know your married one at present."
Geneviève detected the selfishness of love in this question, and smiled.
"Geneviève du Treilly," said she.
Maurice repeated, "Geneviève du Treilly!"
"My family," continued Geneviève, "was ruined after the American war, in which both my father and elder brother had taken part."
"Gentlemen both?" said Maurice.