And then--you
must take me as I am, with all my imperfections, for which some good
qualities may perhaps make up."
She looked at him humbly, with the eyes of an imploring child, and
continued in a low voice:
"The Spanish colony in Paris received me with open arms. There was
no end to the entertainments, soirees and theaters. But can that
satisfy a young and embittered woman thirsting for happiness? Of
course I received a great deal of attention. An attache of our
embassy succeeded in attracting me. I swear to you that I struggled
long with him and myself, but his passion was stronger than my
powers of resistance."
Wilhelm would have drawn away his hand, but she held it fast, and
went on hurriedly.
"I have finished. For four years I shared his life, and then
discovered that I had deceived myself a second time, and put an end
to a connection which had lost the excuse of sincerity For two years
now I have been free--for two years my heart has been at rest. Tell
me, can you condemn me now that you know all?"
"It is not for me to judge you," said Wilhelm sadly. "All I think is
that you have had a great deal of misfortune in your life."
"Yes, have I not?" cried the countess eagerly.
"Do not misunderstand me.
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