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 “Yes; always. Passion, jealousy, deceit, revenge—such is their love.”

The harper, yet mischievously smiling, now became thoughtful.

“Do you know more about the domestic affairs of that family than that the deceased Count put away his wife?”

Andrew did not answer.

“Tell me what you know,” the harper added.

“I know nothing—almost nothing—except some old rumors. Why should I speak of them? Let us spend the night in more useful and congenial conversation—the night that for the first time has brought us together and caused us to form a friendship which I hope will never be broken.”

“Such is also my sincere wish, but—tell me what you know; it is your duty to tell me as a warning. You have guessed—the Countess is not indifferent to me, and I know that I am not indifferent to her,” the young man confessed, trying again the mischievous smile;