I have reflected, and I cannot, must not be guilty of such a sin." "Ah, you have reflected!" said the prisoner, sitting down in her armchair, with a smile of disdain; "and I also have reflected." "Upon what ?" "That I can have nothing to say to a man who does not keep his word." "Oh, my God!" murmured Felton.
"You may retire," said Milady.

"I will not talk." "Here is the knife," said Felton, drawing from his pocket the weapon which he had brought, according to his promise, but which he hesitated to give to his prisoner.
"Let me see it," said Milady.
"For what purpose ?" "Upon my honor, I will instantly return it to you.

You shall place it on that table, and you may remain between it and me." Felton offered the weapon to Milady, who examined the temper of it attentively, and who tried the point on the tip of her finger.
"Well," said she, returning the knife to the young officer, "this is fine and good steel.

You are a faithful friend, Felton." Felton took back the weapon, and laid it upon the table, as he had agreed with the prisoner.
Milady followed him with her eyes, and made a gesture of satisfaction.
"Now," said she, "listen to me." The request was needless.

The young officer stood upright before her, awaiting her words as if to devour them.
"Felton," said Milady, with a solemnity full of melancholy, "imagine that your sister, the daughter of your father, speaks to you.