"Alack!" cried Valartine, aghast at this impropriety.
With his marvellous sagacity, the Count saw all that took place within the girl's heart. "Hear, or rather, behold me," he said. "See my reddened Eye and my visage yet paler than its wont: for four nights I have not closed my Eye for an instant, watching over you, to conserve you for our friend Meurtrier, lest the dreadful menace of the Society Lady that waited, brooding in sleepless malice behind the dark veil of her Toilet, overcome you at the last."
The blood returned to Valartine's cheeks at the mention of that name, which took from her the last remains of the distrust the Count had inspired in her.
"Meurtrier!" repeated Valartine, so sweet she found that name to pronounce. "Meurtrier! Caro nome del mio coranor narquelie!" she trilled. "He has then revealed all to you?"
"All. He has told me that your life is his, and I have promised him that you will live."
"You say you have watched?" said Valartine nervously. "Where? I have not seen you."
The Count extended a hand in the direction of the bookcase. "I watched from behind that door," he said. "The door leads to the neighbouring house, which I have rented. But of late I have watched from within this very room, concealing myself with my Ring."
