"Madame, believe me that——"
"I hear the frankness of your character, your invariable politeness, praised every where; you must then have cogent reasons for thus studiously avoiding me. Let me assure you that your conduct would not occupy me for a moment, were it not for a circumstance with which I am bound to acquaint you."
"Madame, I am aware how strange—how rude, my conduct must appear to you; yet—"
Madame de Hansfeld interrupted M. de Morville with a bitter smile.
"Once for all, monsieur, let me assure you I am not here to upbraid you for thus shunning me; I have reason to believe that your resolution to avoid me is dictated by motives so imperative, that to make them known would endanger the happiness, if not the life, of two persons."
As she spoke, the princess darted a searching glance at De Morville.
The latter coloured and replied,—
"I assure you, madame, did I but know——"
"I do know, monsieur," interrupted the princess, "that there exists a secret between us. You have discovered that secret between the day when you asked to be introduced to me and that fixed for the introduction; from this moment arose your determination to avoid me. You are a man of honour. Tell me if I am mistaken; swear to me that you have had no motive for thus avoiding me—that chance, that caprice, alone, have occasioned this, and I will believe you; and then, thank Heaven, the purpose of this interview will be accomplished!"
After some moments of painful hesitation M. de Morville seemed to make a violent effort, and said,—