"She has a rooted idea and no one can dislodge it," thought the Gascon; "I lose my trouble. Her accent is too frank to be assumed. It may be that evil tongues have slandered a fraternal affection that this young woman bears for these three bandits. Though the buccaneer gave me to understand--after all, perhaps I misunderstood him and, as I am going to leave her, I would much rather believe her more innocent than culpable; although she does appear very hard to me to acquit." He went on: "A last question, madame. What was the object of the atrocious tales that you and the buccaneer related last night concerning two of your deceased husbands--that one had died of laughter and the other been used as a lamp, thanks to the intervention of Satan who always, according to the same story, signs your marriage contract? You must feel, madame, that, however polite I may be, it is extremely difficult for me to appear to believe such follies as these." "They are not follies." "How--you wish me to believe----" "Oh, you must believe them, and many other things, after you have evidence of them," said the widow, with a peculiar tone. "And when will you explain this mystery to me, madame?" "When I tell you the price I place upon my hand." "Ah, she is beginning to jest again," thought the Gascon. "I will appear to be duped, in order to see what she will do; I wish she was far away--that my stupid fancy were completely extinguished." Then aloud, "Was it not to-day that you were to say what price you place upon your hand, madame?" "Yes." "At what hour?" "This evening, when the moon rises." "Why not now, madame?" "That is a secret you will know like others." "And if I marry you, you will give me but one year to live?" "Alas! only a year." "Let me appear duped," said the Gascon to himself; and aloud, "Is it your desire that my days should be so few?" "No, no!" cried the widow. "Then, personally, you do not dislike me?" said Croustillac. At this question the face of Blue Beard changed entirely and her expression became grave and thoughtful; she raised her head proudly, and the chevalier was struck with the air of nobility and goodness which overspread her face. "Listen to me," she said, with an affectionate and protecting voice. "Because certain circumstances in my life oblige me to a conduct often strange; because I perhaps abuse my liberty you must not think I have a contempt for men of heart." Croustillac looked at the widow with surprise. She was not the same woman. She appeared like a woman of the world. He was so taken aback that he could not speak. Blue Beard continued: "You ask me if I hate you; we have not yet reached the point where such sentiments, good or bad, can attain such extremity; but I am far from hating you; you are certainly very vain, very boastful, very arrogant----" "Madame!" "But you are good, brave, and you would be capable, I am sure, of a generous devotion; you are poor, of obscure birth----"