The Countess gave a little start, shivered, and turned very pale.

"Can't you see she is not equal to it?" cried the General, hotly. "She
has not yet recovered. In the name of--I do not say chivalry, for that
would be useless--but of common humanity, spare madame, at least for the
present."

"That is impossible, quite impossible. There are reasons why Madame la
Comtesse should be examined first. I trust, therefore, she will make an
effort."

"I will try, if you wish it." She rose from her chair and walked a few
steps rather feebly, then stopped.

"No, no, Countess, do not go," said Sir Charles, hastily, in English, as
he moved across to where she stood and gave her his hand. "This is sheer
cruelty, sir, and cannot be permitted."

"Stand aside!" shouted M. Floçon; "I forbid you to approach that lady,
to address her, or communicate with her. Guard, advance, do your duty."

But the guard, although his sword was still out of its sheath, showed
great reluctance to move. He had no desire to try conclusions again with
this very masterful person, who was, moreover, a general; as he had seen
service, he had a deep respect for generals, even of foreign growth.

Meanwhile the General held his ground and continued his conversation
with the Countess, speaking still in English, thus exasperating M.
Floçon, who did not understand the language, almost to madness.