the man before.

When Vauban gave the order to allow us to pass "and none else," this man
very visibly took on an air of apprehension. He looked from one door to
the other and, finding all guarded, was quite alarmed, then, without
perceiving himself observed, he manned himself with his former
unconcerned manner. There was something in the poise of his head, his
walk, which came as a well remembered thing from some secret niche of
memory.

Now as the princess and I walked out in front of our guard, this man
fell, as if naturally, into the rear of our company, and attempted
nonchalantly to saunter out behind us. The guard at the door locked
their bayonets across, barring his exit.

"By whose orders," he demanded with some show of haughty indignation, "do
you hold me a prisoner with this disorderly rabble?"

"Marshal Vauban's," the sentry replied, unmoved.

The man shrank back perceptibly; as I took a longer sight of him the
familiarity of voice and figure recurred more strongly. I stood still to
look. He turned his face. Broussard! I almost spoke the name. Yes,
beyond all peradventure it was Broussard, disguised, but still Broussard.

What a world of vain speculation this opened on the instant, speculation
to which no answer came. How much and what had I told him during our
voyage? How had he treasured it and where repeated it? For I had now no
other thought than he was the spy who brought Yvard the packet designed
for Spain.

"Come my lord, are you dreaming?" the princess broke in impatiently. I
had quite forgotten her.

"No madame, I crave your patience, and beg attention a moment."

I then asked hurriedly whether she knew the young officer in charge of
our escort, and whether she would trust him to see her to a place of
safety. She knew the lad as a gentleman of birth and reputed honor, so
with the guard and the marshal's orders felt herself safe. Despite the
effort to speak coolly my whole frame and voice quivered with excitement
at prospect of winding up the entire affair by one more stroke of luck.
Seeing which my lady icily inquired:

"But why? Why do you fear? Surely these soldiers are sufficient to
afford protection."

The half veiled scorn of her manner cut me to the quick, but I determined
not to be drawn aside from my purpose. My face still a-flush at her
suggestion of cowardice, I replied earnestly:

"Mademoiselle la Princesse--"

"Ah, you know me?"

I nodded.

"And yet a