“One word still, count, as you are a man of honor—— ”
“You need not recommend secrecy to me, being what you say: and because having no farther points of community with mankind, I shall forget it and its secrets; but rely on me, knight, if I can in any way be useful. But no, I can be of use to nobody for I am worth nothing on this earth. Farewell, sir, farewell!”
Bowing, he glanced at Andrea, whose head dropped forward with all the tokens of pain and lassitude.
“O Science,” he sighed, “how many victims for a valueless result!”
As he disappeared, Andrea reanimated: she raised her heavy head as though it were made of lead and looking with astounded eyes at her brother, she muttered:
“Oh, Philip, what has passed?”
“Nothing,” he answered, repressing a sob.
“Nothing? and yet I dreamed—I thought that Dr. Louis said—— ”
“Nothing: you are pure as the daylight: but all accuses you and looks black against you. A terrible secret is imposed on us both. I am going to see Dr. Louis who will tell the Dauphiness that you are home-sick, and we must get you down to Taverney to save you. Father will not go with us, and I will prepare him. Courage—heaven is the goal for all. Make out that you ought never to have left home—that is what made you ill. Be strong, for our honor—the honor of both of us—depends on this.”
He embraced his sister, picked up the sword which had fallen, sheathed it with a trembling hand and darted down the stairs.