“Promise me that you will not tell me anything of the plans formed for the campaign against the Count. Not by word, or inference, or implication; not at any time whilst this remains to me!” and she solemnly pointed to the scar. I saw that she was in earnest, and said solemnly:⁠—

“I promise!” and as I said it I felt that from that instant a door had been shut between us.

Later, midnight.