"Love of honor."
"I don't understand."
"And yet I know that you are the very soul of honor yourself."
"I thank you, but——"
"Mademoiselle," said the young man, coming to a sudden resolution, "appearances are frightfully against me. That I should be here, in your room, at this hour of the night, under the circumstances, condemns me utterly in your opinion, especially as I have offered no adequate explanation. I am about to throw myself on your mercy, to trust to your honor."
"You shall not trust in vain, monsieur."
"I know that. I trusted to your honor in the Château d'Aumenier and you did not fail me then."
"Nor will I now."
"Will you give me your word not to reveal what I tell you, and not to make use of the knowledge I communicate, until I give you leave?"
"Does it concern the honor or the welfare of those I love?"