ll do all that can possibly be done to protect my girls. You
will be freer to do so than any of our friends, for they are likely
to become involved in our fate, whatever that may be. Marie, you
will view our English friend as joint guardian with yourself over
your sisters. Consult him should difficulty or danger arise as if
he were your brother, and be guided by his advice. And now, girls,
come with me to my room, I have much to say to you.

"I am glad my wife decided as she did, Harry," the marquis said,
putting his hand on his shoulder when his wife and daughters left
the room, "for I too shall feel comfort in knowing that you are
watching over the girls. Now leave us, for I have much to arrange
with Monsieur du Tillet."

After a prolonged talk with M. du Tillet the marquis sent for
Ernest. As soon as he entered the lad said:

"Of course, sir, I shall obey your commands; but it seems to me an
unworthy part for your son to play, to be flying the country and
leaving a stranger here to look after your daughters."

"He is hardly a stranger, Ernest," the marquis replied. "He has been
with us as one of the family for two years, and he risked his life
for your sisters. You could not stay here without extreme risk, for
if your name is not already included in the warrant for arrest it
speedily will be so, and when they once taste blood these wolves
will hunt down every one of us. He, on the other hand, might proceed
openly through the streets without danger; nevertheless, I would
not have kept him if he would have gone; but I have no power
of controlling him, and as he chooses to devote himself to us I
thankfully accept his devotion.

"And now, my son, it may be that after our parting to-morrow we
shall not meet again, for God alone knows what fate is in store for
us. I have, therefore, some serious advice to give you. If anything
happens to me, you will, I know, never forget that you are the
head of the family, and that the honour of a great name is in your
keeping; but do not try to strive against the inevitable. Adapt
yourself to the new circumstances under which you will be placed,
and lay aside that pride which has had much to do with the misfortunes
which are now befalling us.

"As to your sisters, Marie is already provided for, that is if
De Gisons is not included in the order for arrest. I have already
sent off a message to him to warn him; and as it has already been
arranged between us that while his father