"Let us cease this, Madame; all discussion between us would only serve the more to embitter us against each other. I repeat that I am not your enemy."
"But what are you then, and for what reason have you related this horrible story?"
"If you had had the patience to listen to me a few minutes more, Madame, you would have learned."
"What prevents you telling me, now that we are face to face?"
"I will tell you if you desire it, Madame," replied, he, coldly. "I should have preferred, however, that some other person, who might have more sympathy for you than I have, should perform this task."
"No, no, Sir; I am myself a Portuguese also, and when the honour of my name is concerned, my principle is to act for myself."
"As you please, Madame; I was about to make a proposition to you."
"A proposition—to me!" said she, haughtily.
"Yes, Madame."
"What is it? Be brief, if you please."