"My dear sir, it seems to me we are in the way here. Be good enough to leave with me by the staircase; for please God, you do not return by the roof. If an accident should happen to you, the Byzantines and I would be inconsolable!" Gilbert was so constituted, that at this moment M. Leminof inspired him more with pity than anger. He obeyed, and preceding him a few steps, crossed the alcove and the vestibule and descended the stairs. When at the entrance of the corridor, he turned, and placing his back against the wall, said sadly: "I have a few words to say to you!" The Count, stopping upon the last step, leaned nonchalantly over the balustrade and answered, smiling: "Speak, I am ready to hear you; you know it always gives me pleasure to talk with you." "I beg you, sir," said Gilbert, "to pardon your daughter the bitterness of her language. She spoke in delirium. I swear to you that at the bottom of her heart, she respects you, and that you have only to wish it to have her love you as a father." M. Leminof answered only by a shrug of the shoulders, which signified--"What matters it to me?" "I am bound to say further," resumed Gilbert, "that your anger ought to fall upon me alone. It was I who sought this child, who hated me; and I constrained her to receive me. I pressed my attentions upon her and had no peace or rest until I had gained her affection." The Count shrugged his shoulders again, as much as to say: "I believe you, but how does that change the situation?" "As for me," continued Gilbert, "I assure you, upon my honor, that it was only yesterday I drew from your daughter her secret." The Count answered: "I believe you readily; but tell me, if you please, is it true that you now love this little girl as she loves you?" Gilbert reflected a moment; then considering only the dignity and interests of Stephane, he replied: "Yes, I love her with a pure, deep love." A sarcastic joy appeared upon the Count's face. "Admirable!" said he; "that is all I wish to know. We have nothing more to say." Gilbert raised his head: "One word more, sir!" he exclaimed. "I do not leave you until you have sworn to me that you will not touch a hair of your daughter's head, and that you will not revenge yourself upon her for my well-meant imprudence."