Catrina Lanovitch, who had never been ruled by those about her, shaped her whole life unquestioningly upon an opinion.
They did not speak for some time, and then it was the girl who broke the silence.
"I have a confession to make and a favor to ask," she said bluntly.
Paul's attitude denoted attention, but he said nothing.
"It is about the Baron de Chauxville," she said.
"Ah!" "I am a coward," she went on.

"I did not know it before.

It is rather humiliating.

I have been trying for some weeks to tell you something, but I am horribly afraid of it.

I am afraid you will despise me.