"Impossible!"
"It is so, nevertheless. And now, adieu! my brave chevalier, my generous protector, adieu!"
"Adieu! Madame," said Maurice, with slight irony of tone, "but first again assure me you run no further risk of danger."
"None whatever."
"In that case I will leave you."
Maurice then bowed coldly and retired a few paces. The unknown remained standing for an instant in the same place.
"I do not like to take my leave of you thus," said she. "Come, Monsieur Maurice, your hand."
Maurice approached, and held out his hand, and then felt the young woman slip a ring on his finger.
"Oh, Citizen! what have you done? Do you not perceive that you have lost one of your rings?"