CHAPTER XL.
The next day Othmar called upon Rosselin, and without preface said to him abruptly:
'You had better tell the Duc de Béthune all I have told you about your pupil. I do not know whether he will believe it or not, but it is wholly intolerable for us to allow him to suppose, as he may suppose from appearances, that there are relations between myself and her which have no existence in fact.'
Rosselin listened and made no reply.
Othmar continued with impatience.
'I do not know what he thinks, but he probably thinks something entirely and grossly unjust to her. He is a man of honour: he will respect confidence if it be placed in him.'
'Why not tell him yourself? He is, I believe, very intimate in your houses.'
'He is no especial friend of mine. He is often at my house, it is true, but personally I have no intimacy with him whatever.'
Rosselin hesitated; then he summoned his courage and said frankly: