The old count breathed, shook himself and passed his handkerchief over his face before he spoke.

The baroness stood as though she were petrified.
"Thunder weather, you are a devilish young man!" said Von Lira, still panting.

Then he suddenly recovered his dignity.

"You have caused me to assault this young man by what you told me," he said, struggling to his feet.

"He defended himself, and might have killed me, had he chosen.