He bowed to them, and turned to depart again, but mademoiselle detained him.
“Monsieur!” she cried sharply.
He checked and turned, whilst slowly she approached him, regarding him between dread and wonder.
“Oh, you are noble!”
“I shouldn't put it as high as that myself,” said he.
“You are, you are! And it is but right that you should know all.”
“Madelon!” her brother cried out, to restrain her.
But she would not be restrained. Her surcharged heart must overflow in confidence.
“Monsieur, for what befell I am greatly at fault. This man--this Levasseur....”
He stared, incredulous in his turn. “My God! Is it possible? That animal!”
Abruptly she fell on her knees, caught his hand and kissed it before he could wrench it from her.
“What do you do?” he cried.
“An amende. In my mind I di
