"It is enough, Monsieur de Blenau," said Pauline rising, her doubts almost aggravated to certainties. "To justify myself, Sir, I will tell you that you have not been watched. Pauline de Beaumont would consider that man unworthy of her affection, whose conduct would require watching. What I know, has come to my ears by mere accident. In fact," and her voice trembled the more, perhaps, that she strove to preserve its steadiness--"in fact, I have become acquainted with a painful truth through my too great kindness for you, in sending my own servant to inquire after your health, and not to watch you, Monsieur de Blenau." "Stop, stop, Pauline! in pity, stop," cried De Blenau, seeing her about to depart. "Your questions place me in the most embarrassing of situations. But, on my soul, I have never suffered a thought to stray from you, and you yourself will one day do me justice. But at present, on this point, I am bound by every principle of duty and honour, not to attempt an exculpation." "None is necessary, Monsieur de Blenau," replied Pauline. "It is much better to understand each other at once. I have no right to any control over you. You are of course free, and at liberty to follow the bent of your own inclinations. Adieu! I shall always wish your welfare." And she was quitting the apartment, but De Blenau still detained her, though she gently strove to withdraw her hand. "Yet one moment, Pauline," said he. "You were once kind, you were once generous, you have more than once assured me of your affection. Now, tell me, did you bestow that affection on a man destitute of honour? on a man who would sully his fame by pledging his faith to what was false?" Pauline's hand remained in his without an effort, and he went on. "I now pledge you my faith, and give you my honour, however strange it may appear that a lady should visit me in private, I have never loved or sought any but yourself. Pauline, do you doubt me now?" Her eyes were fixed upon the ground, and she did not reply, but there was a slight motion in the hand he held, as if it would fain have returned his pressure had she dared. "I could," he continued, "within an hour obtain permission to explain it all. But oh, Pauline, how much happier would it make me to find, that you trust alone to my word, that you put full confidence in a heart that loves you!" "I do! I do!" exclaimed Pauline, with all her own wild energy, at the same time placing her other hand also on his, and raising her eyes to his face: "Say no more, De Blenau. I believe I have been wrong; at all events, I cannot, I will not doubt, what makes me so happy to believe." And her eyes, which again filled with tears, were hidden on his bosom.