“I must tell you. I did not realize what I was doing, but I saw the name on the back.”
“You did not open the locket?” she said, in terror.
“Mademoiselle, I am sorry that you asked that question.”
“Forgive me—I—forgive me.” She put her hand to her eyes, and stood trembling from head to foot. God knows it was hard not to take her in my arms. But I stood there, gritting my teeth, waiting until she grew quiet once more.
“Bernoline—so that is your name?” I said softly.
“Yes, that is my name.”
“I have known, from the first. Bernoline—I am glad I saw it, for the other name I could not associate with you.”
“Monsieur.” She turned, and this time her eyes looked me through and through. “You are a man of honor? Give me your word of honor never to mention that name to a human being. Oh, I do not mean to hurt you—I do trust you. But—I must have your word!”
“You have hurt me,” I said. “It was not necessary, but—you have my word.”