for the best. Here was Chauvelin, a man who hated him, who,
of course, would wish to see him dead. Well, surely it must be an easier
matter now to barter his own life for that of Jeanne; she had only been
arrested on suspicion of harbouring him, who was a known traitor to the
Republic; then, with his capture and speedy death, her supposed guilt
would, he hoped, be forgiven. These people could have no ill-will
against her, and actors and actresses were always leniently dealt with
when possible. Then surely, surely, he could serve Jeanne best by his
own arrest and condemnation, than by working to rescue her from prison.

In the meanwhile Chauvelin shook the damp from off his cloak, talking
all the time in his own peculiar, gently ironical manner.

"Lady Blakeney?" he was saying--"I hope that she is well!"

"I thank you, sir," murmured Armand mechanically.

"And my dear friend, Sir Percy Blakeney? I had hoped to meet him in
Paris. Ah! but no doubt he has been busy very busy; but I live in
hopes--I live in hopes. See how kindly Chance has treated me," he
continued in the same bland and mocking tones. "I was taking a stroll
in these parts, scarce hoping to meet a friend, when, passing the
postern-gate of this charming hostelry, whom should I see but my amiable
friend St. Just striving to gain admission. But, la! here am I talking
of myself, and I am not re-assured as to your state of health. You felt
faint just now, did you not? The air about this building is very dank
and close. I hope you feel better now. Command me, pray, if I can be of
service to you in any way."

Whilst Chauvelin talked he had drawn Armand after him into the lodge
of the concierge. The young man now made a great effort to pull himself
vigorously together and to steady his nerves.

He had his wish. He was inside the Temple prison now, not far from
Jeanne, and though his enemy was older and less vigorous than himself,
and the door of the concierge's lodge stood wide open, he knew that he
was in-deed as effectually a prisoner already as if the door of one of
the numerous cells in this gigantic building had been bolted and barred
upon him.

This knowledge helped him to recover his complete presence of mind. No
thought of fighting or trying to escape his fate entered his head for a
moment. It had been useless probably, and undoubtedly it was better so.
If he only could see Jeanne, and assure himself that she would be safe
in consequence of his own arr