"Will you give me your word that what I am going to say to you will be for you alone; that you will not repeat it?"
The young man refused, "How can I give my word without even knowing the subject of your confidences?"
"It concerns your cousin."
"Then it concerns Count Styvens."
"Indirectly, yes."
Maurice got up.
"I would rather not listen to you, for my duty as a man of honour would compel me to speak, should it be necessary."
The Duke sat still and reflected for a minute.
"Very well, you shall judge when you have heard me, what you think you had better do. I leave you free. I love your cousin Esperance: she is the fiancée of Count Albert, but she is not in love with him."
Maurice had thrown away his cigarette and leaning forward, his hands clasped, his eyes on the ground, listened intently.