by a conviction that he might have construed her acquaintance with
such men as Rokoff and Paulvitch as a personal reflection upon
herself.
"I trust monsieur has not judged me," she said, "by the unfortunate
occurrence of Tuesday evening. I have suffered much on account
of it--this is the first time that I have ventured from my cabin
since; I have been ashamed," she concluded simply.
"One does not judge the gazelle by the lions that attack it," replied
Tarzan. "I had seen those two work before--in the smoking-room
the day prior to their attack on you, if I recollect it correctly,
and so, knowing their methods, I am convinced that their enmity is
a sufficient guarantee of the integrity of its object. Men such
as they must cleave only to the vile, hating all that is noblest
and best."
"It is very kind of you to put it that way," she replied, smiling.
"I have already heard of the matter of the card game. My husband
told me the entire story. He spoke especially of the strength
and bravery of Monsieur Tarzan, to whom he feels that he owes an
immense debt of gratitude."
"Your husband?" repeated Tarzan questioningly.
"Yes. I am the Countess de Coude."
"I am already amply repaid, madame, in knowing that I have rendered
a service to the wife of the Count de Coude."
"Alas, monsieur, I already am so greatly indebted to you that I
may never hope to settle my own account, so pray do not add further
to my obligations," and she smiled so sweetly upon him that Tarzan
felt that a man might easily attempt much greater things than he had
accomplished, solely for the pleasure of receiving the benediction
of that smile.
He did not see her again that day, and in the rush of landing on
the following morning he missed her entirely, but there had been
something in the expression of her eyes as they parted on deck the
previous day that haunted him. It had been almost wistful as they
had spoken of the strangeness of the swift friendships of an ocean
crossing, and of the equal ease with which they are broken forever.