The least curious of women have still a little touch of curiosity, especially in regard to the man they love. Mathilde became uneasy.
"I am sure," said she with agitation, "that Jacob has done nothing to destroy the good opinion that I have of him."
"If you are sure, so much the better."
"Do not torment me thus. As you have commenced, tell me all."
"Why should you take this lively interest in Jacob," said Henri smiling.
"I love him as a brother; I have never concealed it. We were brought up together."
"Well, this Jacob has committed no crime. He simply possesses a mistress whom he conceals from public view." Then he repeated cynically all he had heard, with a malicious irony.
"If you do not believe me," added he, "ask your father. He is the one that discovered the secret."
During this narration Mathilde had grown red and pale, and listened with bowed head, trembling nervously. Suddenly she raised her head and said boldly:--
"It is a lie! I believe neither you nor my father. It is an unworthy calumny."