It was all to be done very secretly, of course, so that the Duke shouldn't know, and Raoul hated it, but he couldn't refuse.

He had no idea of telling me this story, that day when he 'lost his head,' while we were bidding each other good-bye before his journey.

He didn't mention the name of the Duchess, but said only that he had leave, and was going to Holland on business.

But while he was away a _dreadful_ thing happened--the most ghastly misfortune--and as we were engaged to be married, he felt obliged when he came back to let me know the worst." "What was the dreadful thing that happened ?" I asked, as she paused, pressing her hands against her temples.
"The necklace was stolen from Raoul by a thief, who must have been one of the most expert in the world.

Can you imagine Raoul's feelings?
He came to me in despair, asking my advice.