The old valet left the room, but he very soon returned with Ambroisine, who, when she reached the doorway, turned pale and began to tremble, and dared not go forward, for the marquis's aspect was stern and imposing. The old man fastened his eyes upon her, and they inspired as much fear as respect in the person who faced them for the first time. Hector gently pushed the lovely girl into the room, whispering to her: "Don't be afraid! Monsieur le marquis is not so terrible as he looks." Then, at a sign from his master, the valet bowed and disappeared, leaving Ambroisine alone with Léodgard's father, who motioned for her to come forward, saying: "Come nearer, take a chair, and tell me what you desire from me, young woman." "Justice, monsieur le marquis," replied Ambroisine, raising her head; for the old man's deep voice, instead of frightening her, seemed to restore her courage by reminding her of the motive that brought her thither. "Justice? Has someone wronged you? have you reason to complain of someone?" "I am not the one who has been wronged, seigneur; and it is not for myself that I have come to implore your assistance; it is for a friend, who is very unhappy, greatly to be pitied, but who would never have dared to come herself to tell you of her trials; and yet----" "Explain yourself more clearly, my girl, and, above all things, be careful to tell nothing but the truth!" "Ah! monseigneur, could anyone dare to lie before you? But I beg you to excuse me if I cannot express myself very well." "A person always expresses herself well when falsehood and calumny do not sully her lips, and when she has faith in God's justice.--Speak, my child, I am listening."