"Do you promise me this, Tressilian?" said the Countess. "Is it possible
you can yet repose so much confidence in me? Do you promise, as you are
a gentleman and a man of honour, to intrude in my matters neither by
speech nor action, whatever you may see or hear that seems to you to
demand your interference? Will you so far trust me?"
"I will upon my honour," said Tressilian; "but when that space is
expired--"
"Then that space is expired," she said, interrupting him, "you are free
to act as your judgment shall determine."
"Is there nought besides which I can do for you, Amy?" said Tressilian.
"Nothing," said she, "save to leave me,--that is, if--I blush to
acknowledge my helplessness by asking it--if you can spare me the use of
this apartment for the next twenty-four hours."
"This is most wonderful!" said Tressilian; "what hope or interest can
you have in a Castle where you cannot command even an apartment?"
"Argue not, but leave me," she said; and added, as he slowly and
unwillingly retired, "Generous Edmund! the time may come when Amy may
show she deserved thy noble attachment."