Part 2 (2/2)
”And--did you recognize me under my new name?”
”Your----”
”My--my t.i.tle. You know.”
”The--he told me that. Must I confess? I jumped at the chance of serving you.”
”You had never seen me!”
”Perhaps I had seen your photograph.”
She smiled at this, but still looked perturbed.
”Pray don't be distressed,” said I. ”I am very discreet.”
”Oh, I hope so! The prince [she spoke in a whisper] was so urgent about discretion. You haven't seen him?”
”The prince? No.”
”And--when is it to be?”
”I don't quite understand.” This was my first truthful remark.
”Why, the duel!”
”Oh, it's all over!”
”Over!”
”Yes--two hours ago.”
”And the baron? No, forgive me. You! Are you hurt?”
”Not a bit. He's hurt.”
”Is he dead?” she asked breathlessly.
”I am sorry, countess. Not quite. Was that necessary?”
”Oh, no! Though he deserved it. He insulted me shamefully.”
”Then he did deserve it.”
She went off at a tangent.
”What became of my letter?”
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