but, being now free, he would treat me as a ward of the
crown, and would hand me and my estates to one of his favourites.
Anything would be better than that.

"Now, of course, it is out of the question. Estates I have none;
for, with the extermination of our people, their estates will be
granted to others."

"As to that, mademoiselle, they have been trying to massacre the
Huguenots for years; and though, doubtless, in the towns many may
fall, they will not be taken so readily in the country; and may,
even yet, rally and make head again.

"Still, that does not alter the present circumstances; and I see no
other plan but that I had first formed, for you to accompany me and
my servant, in disguise."

The girl stood hesitating, twining her fingers over each other,
restlessly.

"It is so strange, so unmaidenly," she murmured.

"Then, Claire," Philip said, taking her hands in his, "you must
give me the right to protect you. It is strange to speak of love,
at such a time as this; but you know that I love you. As a rich
heiress, and altogether above my station, even had you been free I
might never have spoken; but now, standing as we do surrounded by
dangers, such distinctions are levelled. I love you with all my
heart, and it seems to me that God, himself, has brought us
together."

"It is surely so, Philip," she said, looking up into his face. "Has
not God sent you twice to save me? Some day I will tell you of my
heart, but not now, dear--not now. I am alone in the world, save
you. I am sure that my father, if he now sees us, must approve.
Therefore, Philip, henceforth I am your affianced wife, and am
ready to follow you to the end of the world."

Philip stooped down, and kissed her gently. Then he dropped her
hands, and she stood back a little apart from him.

"It were best that I called Pierre in," he said. "Even in this
lonely quarter some one might pass and, seeing him standing at the
door, wonder who he might be."

So saying, he opened the door and called Pierre in.

"Pierre," he said gravely, "Mademoiselle de Valecourt is now my
affianced wife."

"That is as it should be, master," Pierre said; and then, stepping
up to Claire, who held out her hand to him, he reverently pressed
it with his lips.

"Mademoiselle," he said, "my life will henceforth be at your
disposal, as at that of my master. We may have dangers to face, but
if anyone can get you through them, he can."

"Thank you, Pierre," the girl s