CHAPTER XII.
A PETITION.
"'THEN we are to lose Madame la Comtesse, but I hope only for a few hours,' I said, with a low bow.
"It may be that only, or it may be a few weeks. It was very unlucky his speaking to me just now as he did. Do you now know me?'
"I assured her I did not.
"'You shall know me,' she said, 'but
