Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 2.djvu/135

124 "You have offered me many pledges of your service," she said, gravely, "nor do I doubt their sincerity. I am now about to test it; not on any ground that, as you think, my past slight aid to you gives me any claim upon your life—I have none whatever—but rather simply because I trust you as a gallant gentleman, as a chivalrous nature, as a true-hearted friend."

He bent his head in silence; he offered her no protestation of his faith: he knew that none was needed.

"I am about to ask you much," she resumed. "To ask you to undertake a service of some danger, of immediate action, and of imperative secrecysecresy [sic]; it may involve you in some peril, and it can bring you no reward. Knowing this, are you prepared to listen to it?"

His face grew a shade paler beneath its warm sea-bronze. He divined well what her meaning was in those few words, "it can bring you no reward." But he answered without a second's hesitation.

"Do with me what you will," he said, simply; "I am ready."

There were no asseverations, no eager vows, no ornate eloquence; but she knew better than they