Then he broke out angrily, telling me to my face that I had lost everything--name, fame, and honour,--how, I cannot tell; but he said those words; and he added that I could regain my reputation only by consenting to marry him." The old count had listened at first with a sarcastic smile, then with increased attention.

Finally, as Hedwig repeated the shameful insult, his brave old blood boiled up in his breast, and he sat gripping the two arms of his chair fiercely, while his gray eyes shot fire from beneath the shaggy brows.
"Hedwig," he cried, hoarsely, "are you speaking the truth?
Did he say those words ?" "Yes, my father, and more like them.

Are you surprised ?" she asked bitterly.

"You have said them yourself to me." The old man's rage rose furiously, and he struggled to his feet.

He was stiff with riding and rheumatism, but he was too angry to sit still.
"I?
Yes, I have tried to show you what might have happened, and to warn you and frighten you, as you should be frightened.