Pardon the intrusion, but I have something to say to Monsieur le Chevalier." He bared his head, looked serenely into Victor's doubting eyes, and turned to the Chevalier, whose face was without any sign of welcome or displeasure.

"Monsieur," the vicomte began, "it is very embarrassing--Patience, Monsieur de Saumaise!" for Victor had laid his hand upon his sword; "my errand is purely pacific.

It is very embarrassing, then, to approach a man so deeply in trouble as yourself.
I know not what madness seized you to-night.

I am not here to offer you sympathy; sympathy is cheap consolation.

I am here to say that no man shall in my presence speak lightly of your misfortune.