'And you command here?' she asked upbraidingly, as she bent her beautiful eyes upon me, with an expression which made my heart tremble.
'I do—but mademoiselle—'
'I am Madame la Duchesse d'Alsace!'
'Pardon me—alas! I had forgotten it.'
'Well, monsieur.'
'I wish to explain—'
'What?'
'This most unpleasant affair,' I urged.
'Is it thus, M. Blane, that you designate a brutal brawl devised by yourself, for my capture? Oh Arthur! Arthur! there was a time when I hoped for better deeds from you.'
'Marie Louise, I swear to you—'