We must ferret out some hidden crime in De Croisenois' past which will force him to withdraw his proposal." "I shall find one," muttered Andre.
"But remember there is no time to be lost.

According to our agreement, I treat him in the most charming manner, and he thinks that I am entirely devoted to his interests, and to-morrow I have arranged to introduce him to the Count and Countess at the Hotel de Mussidan, where the Count and Countess have agreed to receive him." Andre started at this news.
"I saw," continued the lady, "that you were quite right in the opinion you had formed, for in the first place the common danger has almost reconciled the Count and Countess affectionately to each other, though it is notorious that they have always lived in the most unhappy manner.
Their faces are careworn and full of anxiety, and they watch every movement of Sabine with eager eyes.

I think that they look upon her as a means of safety, but shudder at the sacrifice she is making on their account." "And Sabine ?" "Her conduct is perfectly sublime, and she is ready to consummate the sacrifice without a murmur.

Her self-sacrificing devotion is perfectly admirable; but what is more admirable still is the way in which she conceals the suffering that she endures from her parents.

Noble-hearted girl! she is calm and silent, but she has always been so.