'Ah, madame, what shall I say—how express myself!'
'You know how much I have to forgive you.'
'Do not speak of it, madame. Your brother's narrow escape from a death at my hand, makes me tremble, when I think of it!'
'We will talk of that another time. Mademoiselle Nicola has told me how much he and his debauched companion were to blame in molesting her.'
'True, Countess.'
'But they knew not who she was.'
'How, madame?
'That she was my attendant and not a grisette,' said the Countess hastily. 'You have heard all that M. le Marquis has so kindly promised.'
'Oh yes, yes; more than I deserve, be assured.'
'What, are you so very wicked?'