Rushing into the room, the door of which was still open, he drew the bolts on Sophia with as much fear and solicitude as she had drawn them on himself. She had remained standing, leaning pensively against the mantelpiece, as though devoid of interest in what was taking place on the floor beneath. Milona stood by her side; she had doubtless told her of the defeat of her companions. Marcel, in terrified ardour, rushed up to her. “The house is in the hands of the police, do you not know? Why are you still here?” “I was waiting for you,” replied Sophia, calmly. “But it means ruin to you!” “How does that affect you?” “I will not consent to it! I cannot endure the idea that you should suffer threatenings and torture for having defended me.” A light came into Sophia’s face. “Then will you still allow me to see you?” He replied, firmly— “Impossible! After what has taken place between us, I must never see you again! I cannot, I must not! For your own sake!” Her tranquil, careless look returned. “Then leave me to my fate!” “No! I will not do that! You, ruined on my account, when— Will you torture my thoughts by the frightful memory of the past?” “Oh, Marcel, if I could only please you! If you would only love me! How dearly I would pay you for such happiness!” She smiled. Tears filled her eyes, and she looked so beautiful that a shudder ran through his whole body. Turning aside, he said— “Wretched woman! what will become of you?” She showed him a ring, the bezel of which was made of a bead of chased gold. “Look at this bead of gold; it contains liberty and death at the same time. Pour its contents into a glass of water, and all is over, without suffering.” She stretched out her hand towards a tray containing a bowl of water and a glass. “I forbid you!” cried Marcel, dismayed. She looked at him with a terrible intensity, whilst her face shone with superhuman ardour. “Nothing without you!” she said. “Everything with you! Decide!” “Impossible!” With a sorrowful smile, she continued— “Reflect! You know what I am. If you wish, I will live, but only to be yours. I will come whenever you want me, and will not trouble you in any way. Oh! every expiation and sacrifice, every grief and pain imaginable, to be yours once more!” Steps were heard mounting the staircase. Marcel, terror-struck, said— “They are coming! They will take you! If you wish to save your life, leave the room at once!” “Let them come! They will only take me if I am willing. I have nothing to fear from any other than yourself. Do you wish me to live? Swear that you will see me again!”