Heutteredalowcurse，droppedthepitcherhewascarrying，andstoodglaringatmelikeamanpossessed。
Thesoldierwhosewinehewascarryingflungacrustinhisface，with，——
\'Now，greasyfingers！Whatareyoustaringat？\'
\'Thedevil！\'thelandlordmuttered，beginningtotremble。
\'Thenletmelookathim！\'themanretorted，andheturnedonhisstool。
Hestarted，findingmestandingoverhim。
\'Atyourservice！\'Isaidgrimly。\'Alittletimeanditwillbetheotherway，myfriend。
CHAPTERVII
AMASTERSTROKE
Ihaveawaywithmewhichcommonlycommandsrespect；andwhenthelandlord\'sfirstterrorwasoverandhewouldserveme，I
managedtogetmysupper——thefirstgoodmealIhadhadintwodays——prettycomfortablyinspiteofthesoldiers\'presence。Thecrowd，too，whichfilledtheroom，soonbegantomelt。Themenstrayedoffingroupstowatertheirhorses，orwenttohuntuptheirquarters，untilonlytwoorthreewereleft。Duskhadfallenoutside；thenoiseinthestreetgrewless。Thefirelightbegantoglowandflickeronthewalls，andthewretchedroomtolookashomelyasitwasinitsnaturetolook。IwasponderingforthetwentiethtimewhatstepIshouldtakenext，andquestioningwhythesoldierswerehere，andwhetherIshouldletthenightpassbeforeImoved，whenthedoor，whichhadbeenturningonitshingesalmostwithoutpauseforanhour，openedagain，andawomancamein。
Shepausedamomentonthethresholdlookinground，andIsawthatshehadashawlonherheadandamilk-pitcherinherhand，andthatherfeetandankleswerebare。Therewasagreatrentinhercoarsestuffpetticoat，andthehandwhichheldtheshawltogetherwasbrownanddirty。MoreIdidnotsee：for，supposinghertobeaneighbourstolenin，nowthatthehousewasquiet，togetsomemilkforherchildorthelike，Itooknofartherheedofher。Iturnedtothefireagainandplungedintomythoughts。
Buttogettothehearthwherethegoodwifewasfidgetingthewomanhadtopassinfrontofme；andasshepassedIsupposethatshestolealookatmefromunderhershawl。Forjustwhenshecamebetweenmeandtheblazesheutteredalowcryandshrankaside——soquicklythatshealmoststeppedonthehearth。
Thenextmomentsheturnedherbacktome，andwasstoopingwhisperinginthehousewife\'sear。Astrangermighthavethoughtthatshehadtroddenonahotember。
Butanotheridea，andaverystrangeone，cameintomymind；andIstoodupsilently。Thewoman\'sbackwastowardsme，butsomethinginherheight，hershape，theposeofherheadhiddenasitwasbyhershawl，seemedfamiliar。Iwaitedwhileshehungoverthefirewhispering，andwhilethegoodwifeslowlyfilledherpitcheroutofthegreatblackpot。Butwhensheturnedtogo，Itookastepforwardsoastobarherway。Andoureyesmet。
Icouldnotseeherfeatures；theywerelostintheshadowofthehood。ButIsawashiverrunthroughherfromheadtofoot。AndIknewthenthatIhadmadenomistake。
\'Thatistooheavyforyou，mygirl，\'Isaidfamiliarly，asI
mighthavespokentoavillagewench。\'Iwillcarryitforyou。\'
Oneofthemen，whoremainedlollingatthetable，laughed，andtheotherbegantosingalowsong。Thewomantrembledinrageorfear；butshekeptsilenceandletmetakethejugfromherhands；andwhenIwenttothedoorandopenedit，shefollowedmechanically。Aninstant，andthedoorfelltobehindus，shuttingoffthelightandglow，andwetwostoodtogetherinthegrowingdusk。
\'Itislateforyoutobeout，Mademoiselle，\'Isaidpolitely。
\'Youmightmeetwithsomerudeness，dressedasyouare。Permitmetoseeyouhome。\'
Sheshuddered，andIthoughtthatIheardhersob，butshedidnotanswer。Instead，sheturnedandwalkedquicklythroughthevillageinthedirectionoftheChateau，keepingintheshadowofthehouses。Icarriedthepitcherandwalkedclosetoher，besideher；andinthedarkIsmiled。Iknewhowshameandimpotentragewereworkinginher。Thiswassomethinglikerevenge！
PresentlyIspoke。
\'Well，Mademoiselle，\'Isaid，\'whereareyourgrooms？\'
Shegavemeonelook，hereyesblazingwithanger，herfacelikehateitself；andafterthatIsaidnomore，butleftherinpeace，andcontentedmyselfwithwalkingathershoulderuntilwecametotheendofthevillage，wherethetracktothegreathouseplungedintothewood。Thereshestopped，andturnedonmelikeawildcreatureatbay。
\'Whatdoyouwant？\'shecriedhoarsely，breathingasifshehadbeenrunning。
\'Toseeyousafetothehouse，\'Iansweredcoolly。\'Aloneyoumightbeinsulted。\'
\'AndifIwillnot？\'sheretorted。
\'Thechoicedoesnotliewithyou，Mademoiselle，\'Iansweredsternly，\'Youwillgotothehousewithme，andonthewayyouwillgivemeaninterview——lateasitis；butnothere。Herewearenotprivateenough。Wemaybeinterruptedatanymoment，andIwishtospeaktoyouatlength。\'
\'Atlength？\'shemuttered。
\'Yes，Mademoiselle。\'
Isawhershiver。\'WhatifIwillnot？\"shesaidagain。
\'Imightcalltothenearestsoldiersandtellthemwhoyouare，\'
Iansweredcoolly。\'Imightdothat，butIshouldnot。Thatwereaclumsywayofpunishingyou，andIknowabetterway。I
shouldgototheCaptain，Mademoiselle，andtellhimwhosehorseislockedupintheinnstable。Atroopertoldme——assomeonehadtoldhim——thatitbelongedtooneofhisofficers；butI
lookedthroughthecrack，andIknewthehorseagain。\'
Shecouldnotrepressagroan。Iwaited；stillshedidnotspeak。
\'ShallIgototheCaptain？\'Isaidruthlessly。
Sheshookthehoodbackfromherfaceandlookedatme。
\'Oh，youcoward！youcoward！\'shehissedthroughherteeth。
\'IfIhadaknife！\'
\'Butyouhavenot，Mademoiselle，\'Ianswered，unmoved。\'Begoodenough，therefore，tomakeupyourmindwhichitistobe。AmI
togowithmynewstothecaptain，oramItocomewithyou？\'
\'Givemethepitcher，\'shesaidharshly。
Ididso，wondering。Inamomentsheflungitwithasavagegesturefarintothebushes。
\'Come！\'shesaid，\'ifyouwill。ButsomedayGodwillpunishyou！\'
Withoutanotherwordsheturnedandenteredthepaththroughthetrees，andIfollowedher。Isupposethateveryoneofitswindings，everyhollowandbrokenplaceinithadbeenknowntoherfromchildhood，forshefolloweditswiftlyandunerringly，barefootasshewas。Ihadtowalkfastthroughthedarknesstokeepupwithher。Thewoodwasquiet，butthefrogswerebeginningtocroakinthepool，andtheirpersistentchorusremindedmeofthenightwhenIhadcometothehouse-door，hurtandwornout，andClonhadadmittedme，andshehadstoodunderthegalleryinthehall。Thingshadlookeddarkthen。Ihadseenbutaverylittlewayaheadthen。Nowallwasplain。Thecommandantmightbeherewithallhissoldiers，butitwasIwhoheldthestrings。
Wecametothelittlewoodenbridgeandsawbeyondthedarkmeadowsthelightsofthehouse。Allthewindowswerebright。
Doubtlessthetroopersweremakingmerry。
\'Now，Mademoiselle，\'Isaidquietly，\'Imusttroubleyoutostophere，andgivemeyourattentionforafewminutes。Afterwardsyoumaygoyourway。\'
\'Speak！\'shesaiddefiantly。\'Andbequick！Icannotbreathetheairwhereyouare！Itpoisonsme！\'
\'Ah！\'Isaidslowly。\'Doyouthinkthatyoumakethingsbetterbysuchspeechesasthose？\'
\'Oh！\'shecriedandIheardherteethclicktogether。\'Wouldyouhavemefawnonyou？\'
\'Perhapsnot，\'Ianswered。\'Stillyoumakeonemistake。\'
\'Whatisit？\'shepanted。
\'YouforgetthatIamtobefearedaswellas——loathed，Mademoiselle！Ay，Mademoiselle，tobefeared！\'Icontinuedgrimly。\'DoyouthinkthatIdonotknowwhyyouarehereinthisguise？DoyouthinkthatIdonotknowforwhomthatpitcherofbrothwasintended？Orwhowillnowhavetofastto-
night？ItellyouIknowallthesethings。Yourhousewasfullofsoldiers；yourservantswerewatchedandcouldnotleave。Youhadtocomeyourselfandgetfoodforhim？\'
Sheclutchedatthehandrailofthebridge，andforaninstantclungtoitforsupport。Herface，fromwhichtheshawlhadfallen，glimmeredwhiteintheshadowofthetrees。AtlastI
hadshakenherpride。Atlast！
\'Whatisyourprice？\'shemurmuredfaintly。
\'Iamgoingtotellyou，\'Ireplied，speakingsothateverywordmightfalldistinctlyonherears，andsatingmyeyesthewhileonherproudface。Ihadneverdreamedofsuchrevengeasthis！
\'Aboutafortnightago，M。deCocheforetlefthereatnightwithalittleorange-colouredsachetinhispossession。\'
Sheutteredastifledcry，anddrewherselfstifflyerect。
\'Itcontained——butthere，Mademoiselle，youknowitscontents，\'I
wenton。\'Whatevertheywere，M。deCocheforetlostitandthematstarting。Aweekagohecameback——unfortunatelyforhimself——toseekthem。\'
Shewaslookingfullinmyfacenow。Sheseemedscarcelytobreatheintheintensityofhersurpriseandexpectation。
\'Youhadasearchmade，Mademoiselle，\'Icontinuedquietly。
\'YourservantsleftnoplaceunexploredThepaths，theroads，theverywoodswereransacked，Butinvain，becauseallthewhiletheorangesachetlaywholeandunopenedinmypocket。\'
\'No！\'shecriedimpetuously。\'There，youliesir，asusual！
Thesachetwasfound，tornopen，manyleaguesfromthisplace！\'
\'WhereIthrewit，Mademoiselle，\'Ireplied，\'thatImightmisleadyourrascalsandbefreetoreturntoyou。Oh！believeme，\'Icontinued，lettingsomethingofmytrueself，somethingofmytriumph，appearatlastinmyvoice。\'Youhavemadeamistake！Youwouldhavedonebetterhadyoutrustedme。Iamnobundleofsawdust，Mademoiselle，thoughonceyougotthebetterofme，butaman；amanwithanarmtoshieldandabraintoserve，and——asIamgoingtoteachyou——aheartalso！\'
Sheshivered。
\'Intheorange-colouredsachetthatyoulostIbelievethattherewereeighteenstonesofgreatvalue？\'
Shemadenoanswer，butshelookedatmeasifIfascinatedher。
Herverybreathseemedtopauseandwaitonmywords。Shewassolittleconsciousofanythingelse，ofanythingoutsideourselves，thatascoreofmenmighthavecomeupbehindher，unseenandunnoticed。
CHAPTERVIII
AMASTERSTROKE——ContinuedItookfrommybreastalittlepacketwrappedinsoftleather，andIheldittowardsher。
\'Willyouopenthis？\'Isaid。\'Ibelievethatitcontainswhatyourbrotherlost。ThatitcontainsallIwillnotanswer，Mademoiselle，becauseIspilledthestonesonthefloorofmyroom，andImayhavefailedtofindsome。Buttheotherscanberecovered；Iknowwheretheyare。\'
Shetookthepacketslowlyandbegantounrollit，herfingersshaking。Afewturnsandthemildlustreofthestonesshoneout，makingakindofmoonlightinherhands——suchashimmeringgloryofimprisonedlightashasruinedmanyawomanandrobbedmanyamanofhishonour。MORBLEU！asIlookedatthemandasshestoodlookingatthemindull，entrancedperplexity——I
wonderedhowIhadcometoresistthetemptation。
WhileIgazedherhandsbegantowaver。
\'Icannotcount，\'shemutteredhelplessly。\'Howmanyarethere？\'
\'Inall，eighteen。\'
\'Thereshouldbeeighteen，\'shesaid。
Sheclosedherhandonthemwiththat，andopeneditagain，anddidsotwice，asiftoreassureherselfthatthestoneswererealandthatshewasnotdreaming。Thensheturnedtomewithsuddenfierceness，andIsawthatherbeautifulface，sharpenedbythegreedofpossession，wasgrownaskeenandviciousasbefore。
\'Well？\'shemutteredbetweenherteeth。
\'Yourprice，man？Yourprice？\'
\'Iamcomingtoitnow，Mademoiselle，\'Isaidgravely。\'Itisasimplematter。YouremembertheafternoonwhenIfollowedyou——clumsilyandthoughtlesslyperhaps——throughthewoodtorestorethesethings？Inseemingthathappenedaboutamonthago。I
believethatithappenedthedaybeforeyesterday。Youcalledmethensomeveryharshnames，whichIwillnothurtyoubyrepeating。TheonlypriceIaskfortherestorationofyourjewelsisthatyouonyourpartrecallthosenames。\'
\'How？\'shemuttered。\'Idonotunderstand。\'
Irepeatedmywordsveryslowly。\'TheonlypriceorrewardI
ask，Mademoiselle，isthatyoutakebackthosenamesandsaythattheywerenotdeserved。\'
\'Andthejewels？\'sheexclaimedhoarsely。
\'Theyareyours。Theyarenotmine。Theyarenothingtome。
Takethem，andsaythatyoudonotthinkofme——Nay，Icannotsaythewords，Mademoiselle。\'
\'Butthereissomething——else！Whatelse？\'shecried，herheadthrownback，hereyes，brightasanywildanimal\'s，searchingmine。\'Ha！mybrother？Whatofhim？Whatofhim，sir？\'
\'Forhim，Mademoiselle——IwouldpreferthatyoushouldtellmenomorethanIknowalready，\'Iansweredinalowvoice。\'Idonotwishtobeinthataffair。Butyes；thereisonethingIhavenotmentioned。Youareright。\'
ShesighedsodeeplythatIcaughtthesound。
\'Itis，\'Icontinuedslowly，\'thatyouwillpermitmetoremainatCocheforetforafewdayswhilethesoldiersarehere。Iamtoldthattherearetwentymenandtwoofficersquarteredinyourhouse。Yourbrotherisaway。Iasktobepermitted，Mademoiselle，totakehisplaceforthetime，andtobeprivilegedtoprotectyoursisterandyourselffrominsult。Thatisall。\'
Sheraisedherhandtoherhead。Afteralongpause，——
\'Thefrogs！\'shemuttered，\'theycroak！Icannothear。\'
Then，tomysurprise，sheturnedquicklyandsuddenlyonherheel，andwalkedoverthebridge，leavingmestandingthere。ForamomentIstoodaghast，peeringafterhershadowyfigure，andwonderingwhathadtakenher。Then，inaminuteorless，shecamequicklybacktome，andIunderstood。Shewascrying。
\'M。deBarthe，\'shesaid，inatremblingvoice，whichtoldmethatthevictorywaswon，\'istherenothingelse？Haveyounootherpenanceforme？\'
\'None，Mademoiselle。\'
Shehaddrawntheshawloverherhead，andInolongersawherface。
\'Thatisallyouask？\'shemurmured。
\'ThatisallIask——now，\'Ianswered。
\'Itisgranted，\'shesaidslowlyandfirmly。\'ForgivemeifI
seemtospeaklightly——ifIseemtomakelittleofyourgenerosityormyshame；butIcansaynomorenow。Iamsodeepintroubleandsognawedbyterrorthat——Icannotfeelanythingkeenlyto-night，eithershameorgratitude。Iaminadream；Godgrantthatitmaypassasadream！Wearesunkintrouble。Butforyouandwhatyouhavedone，M。deBarthe——I——\'shepausedandIheardherfightingwiththesobswhichchokedher——\'forgiveme……Iamoverwrought。Andmy——myfeetarecold，\'sheadded，suddenlyandirrelevantly。\'Willyoutakemehome？\'
\'Ah，Mademoiselle，\'Icriedremorsefully，\'Ihavebeenabeast！
Youarebarefoot，andIhavekeptyouhere。\'
\'Itisnothing，\'shesaidinavoicewhichthrilledme。\'Myheartiswarm，Monsieur——thankstoyou。Itismanyhourssinceithasbeenaswarm。\'
Shesteppedoutoftheshadowasshespoke——andthere，thethingwasdone。AsIhadplanned，soithadcomeabout。OncemoreI
wascrossingthemeadowinthedarktobereceivedatCocheforet，awelcomeguest。Thefrogscroakedinthepoolandabatswoopedroundusincircles；andsurelynever——never，Ithought，withakindofexultationinmybreast——hadmanbeenplacedinastrangerposition。
Somewhereintheblackwoodbehindus——probablyintheoutskirtsofthevillage——lurkedM。deCocheforet。Inthegreathousebeforeus，outlinedbyascoreoflightedwindows，werethesoldierscomefromAuchtotakehim。Betweenthetwo，movingsidebysideinthedarkness，inasilencewhicheachfoundtobeeloquent，wereMademoiselleandI：shewhoknewsomuch，Iwhoknewall——allbutonelittlething！
Wereachedthehouse，andIsuggestedthatsheshouldstealinfirstbythewayshehadcomeout，andthatIshouldwaitalittleandknockatthedoorwhenshehadhadtimetoexplainmatterstoClon。
\'TheydonotletmeseeClon，\'sheansweredslowly。
\'Thenyourwomanmusttellhim，\'Irejoined，\'orhemaydosomethingandbetrayme。\'
\'Theywillnotletourwomencometous。\'
\'What？\'Icried，astonished。\'Butthisisinfamous。Youarenotprisoners！\'
Mademoisellelaughedharshly。
\'Arewenot？Well，Isupposenot；forifwewantedcompany，CaptainLarollesaidthathewouldbedelightedtoseeus——intheparlour。\'
\'Hehastakenyourparlour？\'Isaid。
\'Heandhislieutenantsitthere。ButIsupposethatwerebelsshouldbethankful，\'sheaddedbitterly；\'wehavestillourbedroomslefttous。\'
\'Verywell，\'Isaid。\'ThenImustdealwithClonasIcan。ButIhavestillafavourtoask，Mademoiselle。Itisonlythatyouandyoursisterwilldescendto-morrowatyourusualtime。I
shallbeintheparlour。\'
\'Iwouldrathernot，\'shesaid，pausingandspeakinginatroubledvoice。
\'Areyouafraid？\'
\'No，Monsieur，Iamnotafraid，\'sheansweredproudly，\'but——\'
\'Youwillcome？\'Isaid。
Shesighedbeforeshespoke。Atlength，——
\'Yes，Iwillcome——ifyouwishit，\'sheanswered。Andthenextmomentshewasgoneroundthecornerofthehouse，whileI
laughedtothinkoftheexcellentwatchthesegallantgentlemenwerekeeping。M。deCocheforetmighthavebeenwithherinthegarden，mighthavetalkedwithherasIhadtalked，mighthaveenteredthehouseeven，andpassedundertheirnosesscot-free。
Butthatisthewayofsoldiers。Theyarealwaysreadyfortheenemy，withdrumsbeatingandflagsflying——atteno\'clockinthemorning。Buthedoesnotalwayscomeatthathour。
Iwaitedalittle，andthenIgropedmywaytothedoorandknockedonitwiththehiltofmysword。Thedogsbegantobarkattheback，andthechorusofadrinking-song，whichcamefitfullyfromtheeastwing，ceasedaltogether。Aninnerdooropened，andanangryvoice，apparentlyanofficer\'s，begantoratesomeonefornotcoming。Anothermoment，andaclamourofvoicesandfootstepsseemedtopourintothehall，andfillit。
Iheardthebarjerkedaway，thedoorwasflungopen，andinatwinklingalanthorn，behindwhichadozenflushedvisagesweredimlyseen，wasthrustintomyface。
\'Why，whothefiendisthis？\'onecried，glaringatmeinastonishment。
\'MORBLEU！Itistheman！\'anothershrieked。\'Seizehim！\'
Inamomenthalfadozenhandswerelaidonmyshoulders，butI
onlybowedpolitely。
\'Theofficer，myfriends，\'Isaid，\'M。leCapitaineLarolle。
\'Whereishe？\'
\'DIABLE！butwhoareyou，first？\'thelanthorn-bearerretortedbluntly。Hewasatall，lankysergeant，withasinisterface。
\'Well，IamnotM。deCocheforet，\'Ireplied；\'andthatmustsatisfyyou，myman。Fortherest，ifyoudonotfetchCaptainLarolleatonceandadmitme，youwillfindtheconsequencesinconvenient。\'
\'Ho！ho！\'hesaidwithasneer。\'Youcancrow，itseems。
Well，comein。\'
Theymadeway，andIwalkedintothehallkeepingmyhaton。Onthegreathearthafirehadbeenkindled，butithadgoneout。
Threeorfourcarbinesstoodagainstonewall，andbesidethemlayaheapofhaversacksandsomestraw。Ashatteredstool，brokeninafrolic，andhalfadozenemptywine-skinsstrewedthefloor，andhelpedtogivetheplaceanairofuntidinessanddisorder。Ilookedroundwitheyesofdisgust，andmygorgerose。Theyhadspilledoil，andtheplacereekedfoully。
\'VENTREBLEU！\'Isaid。\'Isthisconductinagentleman\'shouse，yourascals？MAVIE！IfIhadyouIwouldsendhalfofyoutothewoodenhorse！\'
Theygazedatmeopen-mouthed；myarrogancestartledthem。Thesergeantalonescowled。Whenhecouldfindhisvoiceforrage——
\'Thisway！\'hesaid。\'Wedidnotknowthatageneralofficerwascoming，orwewouldhavebeenbetterprepared！\'Andmutteringoathsunderhisbreath，heledmedownthewell-knownpassage。Atthedooroftheparlourhestopped。\'Introduceyourself！\'hesaidrudely。\'Andifyoufindtheairwarm，don\'tblameme！\'
Iraisedthelatchandwentin。Atatableinfrontofthehearth，halfcoveredwithglassesandbottles，sattwomenplayinghazard。ThedicerangsharplyasIentered，andhewhohadjustthrownkepttheboxoverthemwhileheturned，scowling，toseewhocamein。Hewasafair-haired，blondeman，large-
framedandflorid。Hehadputoffhiscuirassandboots，andhisdoubletshowedfrayedandstainedwherethearmourhadpressedonit。Otherwisehewasintheextremeoflastyear\'sfashion。Hisdeepcravat，foldedoversothatthelacedendsdroopedalittleinfront，wasofthefinest；hisgreatsashofblueandsilverwasafootwide。Hehadalittlejewelinoneear，andhistinybeardwaspeakedAL\'ESPAGNOLE。Probablywhenheturnedheexpectedtoseethesergeant，foratthesightofmeheroseslowly，leavingthedicestillcovered。
\'Whatfollyisthis？\'hecried，wrathfully。Here，sergeant！
Sergeant！——withoutthere！Whatthe——！Whoareyou，sir？\'
\'CaptainLarolle，\'Isaiduncoveringpolitely，\'Ibelieve？\'
\'Yes，IamCaptainLarolle，\'heretorted。\'Butwho，inthefiend\'sname，areyou？\'Youarenotthemanweareafter！\'
\'IamnotM。Cocheforet，\'Isaidcoolly。\'Iammerelyaguestinthehouse，M。leCapitaine。IhavebeenenjoyingMadamedeCocheforet\'shospitalityforsometime，butbyanevilchanceI
wasawaywhenyouarrived。\'AndwiththatIwalkedtothehearth，and，gentlypushingasidehisgreatbootswhichstoodtheredrying，Ikickedthelogsintoablaze。
\'MILLEDIABLES！\'hewhispered。AndneverdidIseeamanmoreconfounded。ButIaffectedtobetakenupwithhiscompanion，asturdy，white-moustachioedoldveteran，whosatbackinhischair，eyeingmewithswollencheeksandeyessurchargedwithsurprise。
\'Goodevening，M。leLieutenant，\'Isaid，bowinggravely。\'Itisafinenight。\'
Thenthestormburst。
\'Finenight！\'theCaptainshrieked，findinghisvoiceatlast。
\'MILLEDIABLES！Areyouaware，sir，thatIaminpossessionofthishouse，andthatnooneharboursherewithoutmypermission？
Guest？Hospitality？Bundleoffiddle-faddle！Lieutenant，calltheguard！Calltheguard！\'hecontinuedpassionately。\'Whereisthatapeofasergeant？\'
TheLieutenantrosetoobey，butIliftedmyhand。
\'Gently，gently，Captain，\'Isaid。\'Notsofast。Youseemsurprisedtoseemehere。Believeme，Iammuchmoresurprisedtoseeyou。\'
\'SACRE！\'hecried，recoilingatthisfreshimpertinence，whiletheLieutenant\'seyesalmostjumpedoutofhishead。
Butnothingmovedme。
\'Isthedoorclosed？\'Isaidsweetly。\'Thankyou；itis，Isee。
Thenpermitmetosayagain，gentlemen，thatIammuchmoresurprisedtoseeyouthanyoucanbetoseeme。ForwhenMonseigneurtheCardinalhonouredmebysendingmefromParistoconductthismatter，hegavemethefullest——thefullestpowers，M。leCapitaine——toseetheaffairtoanend。IwasnotledtoexpectthatmyplanswouldbespoiledontheeveofsuccessbytheintrusionofhalfthegarrisonfromAuch。\'
\'Oh，ho！\'theCaptainsaidsoftly——inaverydifferenttone，andwithaverydifferentface。\'SoyouarethegentlemanIheardofatAuch？\'
\'Verylikely，\'Isaiddrily。\'ButIamfromParis，notfromAuch。\'
\'Tobesure，\'heansweredthoughtfully。\'Eh，Lieutenant？\'
\'Yes，M。leCapitaine，nodoubt，\'theinferiorreplied。Andtheybothlookedatoneanother，andthenatme，inawayIdidnotunderstand。
\'Ithink，\'saidI，toclinchthematter，\'thatyouhavemadeamistake，Captain；ortheCommandanthas。AnditoccurstomethattheCardinalwillnotbebestpleased。\'
\'IholdtheKing\'scommission，\'heansweredratherstiffly。
\'Tobesure，\'Ireplied。\'But，yousee，theCardinal——\'
\'Ay，buttheCardinal——\'herejoinedquickly；andthenhestoppedandshruggedhisshoulders。Andtheybothlookedatme。
\'Well？\'Isaid。
\'TheKing，\'heansweredslowly。
\'Tut-tut！\'Iexclaimed，spreadingoutmyhands。\'TheCardinal。
Letussticktohim。Youweresaying？\'
\'Well，theCardinal，yousee——\'Andthenagain，afterthesamewords，hestopped——stoppedabruptly，andshruggedhisshoulders。
Ibegantosuspectsomething。
\'IfyouhaveanythingtosayagainstMonseigneur，\'Ianswered，watchinghimnarrowly，\'sayit。Buttakeawordofadvice。
Don\'tletitgobeyondthedoorofthisroom，myfriend，anditwilldoyounoharm。\'
\'Neitherherenoroutside，\'heretorted，lookingforamomentathiscomrade。\'OnlyIholdtheKing\'scommission。Thatisall，and，Ithink，enough。\'
\'Well——fortherest，willyouthrowamain？\'heansweredevasively。\'Good！Lieutenant，findaglass，andthegentlemanaseat。Andhere，formypart，IwillgiveyouatoastTheCardinal——whateverbetide！\'
Idrankit，andsatdowntoplaywithhim；Ihadnotheardthemusicofthediceforamonth，andthetemptationwasirresistible。ButIwasnotsatisfied。Icalledthemainsandwonhiscrowns——hewasamerebabyatthegame——buthalfmymindwaselsewhere。TherewassomethingherethatIdidnotunderstand；someinfluenceatworkonwhichIhadnotcounted；
somethingmovingunderthesurfaceasunintelligibletomeasthesoldiers\'presence。HadtheCaptainrepudiatedmycommissionaltogether，andputmetothedoororsentmetotheguard-house，Icouldhavefollowedthat。Butthesedubioushints，thispassiveresistance，puzzledme。HadtheynewsfromParis，I
wondered？WastheKingdead？OrtheCardinalill？Iaskedthem，buttheysaidno，no，notoall，andgavemeguardedanswers。Andmidnightfoundusstillplaying；andstillfencing。
CHAPTERIX
THEQUESTION
Sweeptheroom，Monsieur？Andremovethismedley？ButM。leCapitaine——\'
\'TheCaptainisinthevillage，\'IrepliedSternly。\'Anddoyoumove。Move，man，andthethingwillbedonewhileyouaretalkingaboutit。Setthedoorintothegardenopen——so。\'
\'Certainly，itisafinemorning。AndthetobaccoofM。leLieutenant——ButM。leCapitainedidnot——\'
\'Giveorders？Well，Igivethem，\'Ianswered。\'Firstofall，removethesebeds。Andbustle，man，bustle，orIwillfindsomethingtoquickenyou！\'
Inamoment——\'AndM。leCapitaine\'sriding-boots？\'
\'Placetheminthepassage，\'Ireplied。
\'Oh！inthepassage？\'Hepaused，lookingatthemindoubt。
\'Yes，booby；inthepassage。\'
\'Andthecloaks，Monsieur？\'
\'Thereisabushhandyoutsidethewindow。Letthemair。\'
\'Ohe，thebush？Well，tobesuretheyaredamp。But——yes，yes，Monsieur，itisdone。Andthebolsters？\'
\'Therealso，\'Isaidharshly。\'Throwthemout。Faugh！Theplacereeksofleather。Now，acleanhearth。Andsetthetablebeforetheopendoor，sothatwemayseethegarden——so。Andtellthecookthatwedineateleven，andthatMadameandMademoisellewilldescend。\'
\'Ohe！ButM。leCapitaineorderedthedinnerforhalf-pasteleven。\'
\'Itmustbeadvanced，then；and，markyou，myfriend，ifitisnotreadywhenMadamecomesdown，youwillsuffer，andthecooktoo。\'
Whenhewasgoneonhiserrand，Ilookedround。Whatelsewaslacking？Thesunshonecheerilyonthepolishedfloor；theair，freshenedbytherainwhichhadfalleninthenight，enteredfreelythroughtheopendoorway。Afewbeeslingeringwiththesummerhummedoutside。Thefirecrackledbravely；anoldhound，blindandpastwork，laywarmingitshideonthehearth。Icouldthinkofnothingmore，andIstoodandstoodandwatchedthemansetoutthetableandspreadthecloth。
\'Forhowmany，Monsieur？\'heaskedinascaredtone。
\'Forfive，\'Ianswered；andIcouldnothelpsmilingatmyself。
ForwhatwouldZaton\'ssaycoulditseeBeraultturnedhousewife？
Therewasawhiteglazedcup，anold-fashionedpieceofthesecondHenry\'stime，standingonashelf。Itookitdownandputsomelateflowersinit，andsetitinthemiddleofthetable，andstoodoffmyselftolookatit。Butamomentlater，thinkingIheardthemcoming，Ihurrieditawayinakindofpanic，feelingonasuddenashamedofthething。Thealarmprovedtobefalse，however；andthenagain，takinganotherturn，Isetthepieceback。Ihaddonenothingsofoolishfor——formoreyearsthanIliketocount。
ButwhenMadameandMademoisellecamedown，theyhadeyesneitherfortheflowersnortheroom。TheyhadheardthattheCaptainwasoutbeatingthevillageandthewoodsforthefugitive，andwhereIhadlookedforacomedyIfoundatragedy。Madame\'sfacewassoredwithweepingthatallherbeautywasgone。Shestartedandshookattheslightestsound，and，unabletofindanywordstoanswermygreeting，couldonlysinkintoachairandsitcryingsilently。
Mademoisellewasinamoodscarcelymorecheerful。Shedidnotweep，buthermannerwashardandfierce。Shespokeabsently，andansweredfretfully。Hereyesglittered，andshehadtheairofstrainingherearscontinuallytocatchsomedreadedsound。
\'Thereisnonews，Monsieur？\'shesaidasshetookherseat。
Andsheshotaswiftlookatme。
\'None，Mademoiselle。\'
\'Theyaresearchingthevillage？\'
\'Ibelieveso。\'
\'WhereisClon？\'Thisinalowervoice，andwithakindofshrinkinginherface。
Ishookmyhead。\'Ibelievethattheyhavehimconfinedsomewhere。AndLouis，too，\'Isaid。\'ButIhavenotseeneitherofthem。\'
\'Andwhereare——Ithoughtthesepeoplewouldbehere，\'shemuttered。Andsheglancedaskanceatthetwovacantplaces。Theservanthadbroughtinthemeal。
\'Theywillbeherepresently，\'Isaidcoolly。Letusmakethemostofthetime。AlittlewineandfoodwilldoMadamegood。\'
Shesmiledrathersadly。
\'Ithinkthatwehavechangedplaces，\'shesaid。\'Andthatyouhaveturnedhostandweguests。\'
\'Letitbeso，\'Isaidcheerfully。\'Irecommendsomeofthisragout。Come，Mademoiselle，fastingcanaidnoone。Afullmealhassavedmanyaman\'slife。\'
Itwasclumsilysaid，perhaps；forsheshudderedandlookedatmewithaghastlysmile。Butshepersuadedhersistertotakesomething；andshetooksomethingonherownplateandraisedherforktoherlips。Butinamomentshelaiditdownagain。
\'Icannot，\'shemurmured。\'Icannotswallow。Oh，myGod，atthismomenttheymaybetakinghim。\'
Ithoughtthatshewasabouttoburstintoapassionoftears，andIrepentedthatIhadinducedhertodescend。Butherself-
controlwasnotyetexhausted。Byaneffort，painfultosee，sherecoveredhercomposure。Shetookupherfork，andateafewmouthfuls。Thenshelookedatmewithafierceunder-look。
\'IwanttoseeClon，\'shewhisperedfeverishly。Themanwhowaitedonushadlefttheroom。
\'Heknows？\'Isaid。
Shenodded，herbeautifulfacestrangelydisfigured。Herclosedteethshowedbetweenherlips。Tworedspotsburnedinherwhitecheeks，andshebreathedquickly。Ifelt，asIlookedather，asuddenpainatmyheart，andashudderingfear，suchasaman，awakingtofindhimselffallingoveraprecipice，mightfeel。
Howthesewomenlovedtheman！
ForamomentIcouldnotspeak。WhenIfoundmyvoiceitsoundeddryandhusky。
\'Heisasafeconfidant，\'Imuttered。\'Hecanneitherreadnorwrite，Mademoiselle。\'
\'No，but——\'andthenherfacebecamefixed。\'Theyarecoming，\'
shewhispered。\'Hush！\'Sherosestiffly，andstoodsupportingherselfbythetable。\'Havethey——havethey——foundhim？\'shemuttered。Thewomanbyhersidewepton，unconsciousofwhatwasimpending。
IheardtheCaptainstumblefardownthepassage，andswearloudly；andItouchedMademoiselle\'shand。
\'Theyhavenot！\'Iwhispered。\'Alliswell，Mademoiselle。
Pray，praycalmyourself。Sitdownandmeetthemasifnothingwerethematter。Andyoursister！Madame，Madame，\'Icried，almostharshly，\'composeyourself。Rememberthatyouhaveaparttoplay。\'
Myappealdidsomething。Madamestifledhersobs。Mademoiselledrewadeepbreathandsatdown；andthoughshewasstillpaleandstilltrembled，theworstwaspast。
Andonlyjustintime。Thedoorflewopenwithacrash。TheCaptainstumbledintotheroom，swearingafresh。
\'SACRENOMDUDIABLE！\'hecried，hisfacecrimsonwithrage。
\'Whatfoolplacedthesethingshere？Myboots？My——\'
Hisjawfell。Hestoppedontheword，strickensilentbythenewaspectoftheroom，bythesightofthelittlepartyatthetable，byallthechangesIhadworked。
\'SAINTSIEGE！\'hemuttered。\'Whatisthis？\'TheLieutenant\'sgrizzledfacepeeringoverhisshouldercompletedthepicture。
\'Youareratherlate，M。leCapitaine，\'Isaidcheerfully。
\'Madame\'shouriseleven。But，comehereareyourseatswaitingforyou。\'
\'MILLETONNERRES！\'hemuttered，advancingintotheroom，andglaringatus。
\'Iamafraidthattheragoutiscold，\'Icontinued，peeringintothedishandaffectingtoseenothing。\'Thesoup，however，hasbeenkepthotbythefire。ButIthinkthatyoudonotseeMadame。\'
Heopenedhismouthtoswear，butforthemomenthethoughtbetterofit。
\'Who——whoputmybootsinthepassage？\'heasked，hisvoicethickwithrage。Hedidnotbowtotheladies，ortakeanynoticeoftheirpresence。
\'Oneofthemen，Isuppose，\'Isaidindifferently。\'Isanythingmissing？\'
Heglaredatme。Thenhiscloak，spreadoutside，caughthiseye。
Hestrodethroughthedoor，sawhisholsterslyingonthegrass，andotherthingsstrewnabout。Hecameback。
\'Whosemonkeygameisthis？\'hesnarled，andhisfacewasveryugly。\'Whoisatthebottomofthis？Speak，sir，orI——\'
\'Tut-tut，——theladies！\'Isaid。\'Youforgetyourself，Monsieur。\'
\'Forgetmyself？\'hehissed，andthistimehedidnotcheckhisoath。\'Don\'ttalktomeoftheladies！Madame？Bah！Doyouthink，fool，thatweareputintorebel\'shousestohowandsmileandtakedancinglessons？\'
\'Inthiscasealessoninpolitenessweremoretothepoint，Monsieur，\'Isaidsternly。AndIrose。
\'Wasitbyyourordersthatthiswasdone？\'heretorted，hisbrowblackwithpassion。Answer，willyou？\'
\'Itwas！\'Irepliedoutright。
\'Thentakethat！\'hecried，dashinghishatviolentlyinmyface，\'andcomeoutside。\'
\'Withpleasure，Monsieur，\'Ianswered，bowing；\'inonemoment。
Permitmetofindmysword。Ithinkthatitisinthepassage。\'
Iwentthithertogetit。
WhenIreturned，Ifoundthatthetwomenwerewaitingformeinthegarden，whiletheladieshadrisenfromthetable，andwerestandingnearitwithblanchedfaces。
\'Youhadbettertakeyoursisterupstairs，Mademoiselle，\'Isaidgently，pausingamomentbesidethem。\'Havenofear。Allwillbewell。\'
Butwhatisit？\'sheanswered，lookingtroubled。\'Itwassosudden。Iam——Ididnotunderstand。Youquarrelledsoquickly。\'
\'Itisverysimple，\'Ianswered，smiling。\'M。leCapitaineinsultedyouyesterday；hewillpayforitto-day。Thatisall。
Or，notquiteall，\'Icontinued，droppingmyvoiceandspeakinginadifferenttone。\'Hisremovalmayhelpyou，Mademoiselle。
Doyouunderstand？Ithinkthattherewillbenomoresearchingto-day。\'Sheutteredanexclamation，graspingmyarmandpeeringintomyface。
\'Youwillkillhim？\'shemuttered。
Inodded。
\'Whynot？\'Isaid。
Shecaughtherbreath，andstoodwithonehandclaspedtoherbosom，gazingatmewithpartedlips，thebloodmountingtoherchecks。Graduallytheflushmeltedintoafiercesmile。
\'Yes，yes，whynot？\'sherepeatedbetweenherteeth。\'Whynot？\'
Shehadherhandonmyarm，andIfeltherfingerstightenuntilIcouldhavewinced。\'Whynot？Soyouplannedthis——forus，Monsieur？\'
Inodded。
\'Butcanyou？\'
\'Safely，\'Isaid；then，mutteringtohertotakehersisterupstairs，Iturnedtowardsthegarden。Myfootwasalreadyonthethreshold，andIwascomposingmyfacetomeettheenemy，whenIheardamovementbehindme。Thenextmomentherhandwasonmyarm。
\'Wait！Waitamoment！Comeback！\'shepanted。Iturned。Thesmileandflushhadvanished；herfacewaspale。\'No！\'shesaidabruptly。\'Iwaswrong！I，willnothaveit。Iwillhavenopartinit！Youplanneditlastnight，M。deBarthe。Itismurder。\'
\'Mademoiselle！\'Iexclaimed，wondering。\'Murder？Why？Itisaduel。\'
\'Itismurder，\'sheansweredpersistently。\'Youplanneditlastnight。Yousaidso。\'
\'ButIriskmyownlife，\'Irepliedsharply。
\'Nevertheless——Iwillhavenopartinit，\'sheansweredmorefaintly。Shewastremblingwithagitation。Hereyesavoidedmine。
\'Onmyshouldersbeitthen！\'Irepliedstoutly。\'Itistoolate，Mademoiselle，togoback。Theyarewaitingforme。Only，beforeIgo，letmebegofyoutoretire。\'
AndIturnedfromher，andwentout，wonderingandthinking。
First，thatwomenwerestrangethings。Secondly——MURDER？MerelybecauseIhadplannedtheduelandprovokedthequarrel！NeverhadIheardanythingsopreposterous。Grantit，anddubeverymanwhokepthishonourwithhishandsaCain——andagoodmanybrandedfaceswouldbeseeninsomestreets。Ilaughedatthefancy，asIstrodedownthegardenwalk。
Andyet，perhaps，Iwasgoingtodoafoolishthing。TheLieutenantwouldstillbehere：ahard-bittenman，ofstifferstuffthanhisCaptain。Andthetroopers。Whatif，whenIhadkilledtheirleader，theymadetheplacetoohotforme，Monseigneur\'scommissionnotwithstanding？Ishouldlooksilly，indeed，ifontheeveofsuccessIweredrivenfromtheplacebyaparcelofjack-boots。
IlikedthethoughtsolittlethatIhesitated。Yetitseemedtoolatetoretreat。TheCaptainandtheLieutenantwerewaitingformeinalittleopenspacefiftyyardsfromthehouse，whereanarrowerpathcrossedthebroadwalk，downwhichIhadfirstseenMademoiselleandhersisterpacing。TheCaptainhadremovedhisdoublet，andstoodinhisshirtleaningagainstthesundial，hisheadbareandhissinewythroatuncovered。Hehaddrawnhisrapierandstoodprickingthegroundimpatiently。Imarkedhisstrongandnervousframeandhissanguineair：andtwentyyearsearlierthesightmighthavedampedme。Butnothoughtofthekindenteredmyheadnow，andthoughIfeltwitheachmomentgreaterreluctancetoengage，doubtoftheissuehadnoplaceinmycalculations。
Imadereadyslowly，andwouldgladly，togaintime，havefoundsomefaultwiththeplace。Butthesunwassufficientlyhightogivenoadvantagetoeither。Thegroundwasgood，thespotwellchosen。Icouldfindnoexcusetoputofftheman，andIwasabouttosalutehimandfalltoworkwhenathoughtcrossedmymind。
\'Onemoment！\'Isaid。\'SupposingIkillyou，M。leCapitaine，whatbecomesofyourerrandhere？\'
\'Don\'ttroubleyourself；\'heansweredwithasneerhehadmisreadmyslownessandhesitation。\'Itwillnothappen，Monsieur。Andinanycasethethoughtneednotharassyou。IhaveaLieutenant。\'
\'Yes，butwhatofmymission？\'Irepliedbluntly。\'Ihavenolieutenant。\'
\'Youshouldhavethoughtofthatbeforeyouinterferedwithmyboots，\'heretortedwithcontempt。
\'True，\'Isaidoverlookinghismanner。\'Butbetterlatethannever。Iamnotsure，nowIthinkofit，thatmydutytoMonseigneurwillletmefight。\'
\'Youwillswallowtheblow？\'hecried，spittingonthegroundoffensively。\'DIABLE！\'AndtheLieutenant，standingononesidewithhishandsbehindhimandhisshoulderssquared，laughedgrimly。
\'Ihavenotmadeupmymind，\'Iansweredirresolutely。
\'Well，NOMDEDIEU！makeitup，\'theCaptainreplied，withanuglysneer。Hetookaswaggeringstepthiswayandthat，playinghisweapon。\'Iamafraid，Lieutenant，thattherewillbenosportto-day，\'hecontinuedinaloudaside。\'Ourcockhasbutachickenheart。\'
\'Well，Isaidcoolly，\'Idonotknowwhattodo。Certainlyitisafineday，andafairpieceofground。Andthesunstandswell。
ButIhavenotmuchtogainbykillingyou，M。leCapitaine，anditmightgetmeintoanawkwardfix。Ontheotherhand，itwouldnothurtmetoletyougo。\'
\'Indeed！\'hesaidcontemptuously，lookingatmeasIshouldlookatalackey。
\'No！\'Ireplied。\'ForifyouweretosaythatyouhadstruckGildeBeraultandleftthegroundwithawholeskin，noonewouldbelieveyou。\'
\'GildeBerault！\'heexclaimedfrowning。
\'Yes，Monsieur，\'Irepliedsuavely。\'Atyourservice。Youdidnotknowmyname？\'
\'IthoughtthatyournamewasDeBarthe，\'hesaid。Hisvoicesoundedqueerly；andhewaitedfortheanswerwithpartedlips，andashadowinhiseyeswhichIhadseeninmen\'seyesbefore。
\'No，\'Isaid；\'thatwasmymother\'sname。Itookitforthisoccasiononly。\'
Hisfloridcheeklostashadeofitscolour，andhebithislipsasheglancedattheLieutenant，troubleinhiseyes。Ihadseenthesesignsbefore，andknewthem，andImighthavecried\'Chicken-heart！\'inmyturn；butIhadnotmadeawayofescapeforhim——beforeIdeclaredmyself——fornothing，andIheldtomypurpose。
\'Ithinkyouwillallownow，\'Isaidgrimly，\'thatitwillnotharmmeevenifIputupwithablow！\'
\'M。deBerault\'scourageisknown，\'hemuttered。
\'Andwithreason，\'Isaid。\'Thatbeingsosupposethatwesaythisdaythreemonths，M。leCapitaine？Thepostponementtobeformyconvenience。\'
HecaughttheLieutenant\'seyeandlookeddownsullenly，theconflictinhismindasplainasdaylight。HehadonlytoinsistthatImustfight；andifbyluckorskillhecouldmastermehisfameasaduellistwouldrun，likearippleoverwater，througheverygarrisontowninFranceandmakehimanameeveninParis。
Ontheothersideweretheimminentperilofdeath，thegleamofcoldsteelalreadyinfancyathisbreast，thelossoflifeandsunshine，andthepossibilityofaretreatwithhonour，ifwithoutglory。Ireadhisface，andknewbeforehespokewhathewoulddo。
\'Itappearstomethattheburdeniswithyou，\'hesaidhuskily；
\'butformypartIamsatisfied。\'
\'Verywell，\'Isaid，\'Itaketheburden。Permitmetoapologiseforhavingcausedyoutostripunnecessarily。Fortunatelythesunisshining。\'
\'Yes，\'hesaidgloomily。Andhetookhisclothesfromthesundialandbegantoputthemon。Hehadexpressedhimselfsatisfied，butIknewthathewasfeelingveryill-satisfied，indeed，withhimself；andIwasnotsurprisedwhenhepresentlysaidabruptlyandalmostrudely，\'ThereisonethingthatIthinkwemustsettlehere。\'
\'Yes？\'Isaid。\'Whatisthat？\'
\'Ourpositions，\'heblurtedout，\'Orweshallcrossoneanotheragainwithinthehour。\'
\'Umph！IamnotquitesurethatIunderstand，\'Isaid。
\'ThatispreciselywhatIdon\'tdo——understand！\'heretorted，inatoneofsurlytriumph。\'BeforeIcameonthisduty，Iwastoldthattherewasagentlemanhere，bearingsealedordersfromtheCardinaltoarrestM。deCocheforet；andIwasinstructedtoavoidcollisionwithhimsofarasmightbepossible。AtfirstI
tookyouforthegentleman。ButtheplaguetakemeifI
understandthematternow。\'
\'Whynot？\'Isaidcoldly。
\'Because——well，thequestionisinanutshell！\'heansweredimpetuously。\'AreyouhereonbehalfofMadamedeCocheforet，toshieldherhusband？Orareyouheretoarresthim？ThatiswhatIdonotunderstand，M。deBerault。\'
\'Ifyoumean，amItheCardinal\'sagent——Iam！\'Iansweredsternly。
\'ToarrestM。deCocheforet？\'
\'ToarrestM。deCocheforet。\'
\'Well——yousurpriseme，\'hesaid。
Onlythat；buthespokesodrilythatIfeltthebloodrushtomyface。