In-born motives in a conscientious person are stubborn tyrants, and Max was their slave.

The time came when his false but honest standards cost him dearly, as you shall learn.

But in Max's heart there lived another motive stronger than the will of man; it was love.
Upon that string I chose to play.
One day while we were sunning ourselves on the battlements, I touched, as if by chance, on the theme dear to his heart--Mary of Burgundy.

After a little time Max asked hesitatingly:-- "Have you written of late to my Lord d'Hymbercourt ?" "No," I answered.
A long pause followed; then Max continued: "I hope you will soon do so.
He might write of--of--" He did not finish the sentence.

I allowed him to remain in thought while I formulated my reply.