take amiss any word or action which could
only be the outcome of a singularly tender consideration for the
feelings of others.

But when they entered Madame de Chantonnay's drawing-room--when Dormer,
impelled by some instinct of the fitness of things, stepped aside and
motioned to his companion to pass in first--the secret they had in
common yawned suddenly like a gulf between them. For the possession of a
secret either estranges or draws together. More commonly, it estranges.
For which of us is careful of a secret that redounds to our credit?
Nearly every secret is a hidden disgrace; and such a possession, held in
common with another, is not likely to insure affection.

Colville lingered on the threshold, watching Loo make the first steps
of that progress which must henceforth be pursued alone. He looked round
for a friendly face, but no one had eyes for him. They were all looking
at Loo Barebone. Colville sought Mrs. St. Pierre Lawrence, usually in
full evidence, even in a room full of beautiful women and distinguished
men. But she was not there. For a minute or two no one noticed him; and
then Albert de Chantonnay, remembering his role, came forward to greet
the Englishman.

"It was," explained Colville, in a lowered voice, "as we thought. An
attempt was made to get him out of the way, but he effected his escape.
He knew, however, the danger of attempting to communicate with any of us
by post, and was awaiting some opportunity of transmitting a letter by a
safe hand, when I discovered his hiding-place."

And this was the story that went half round France, from lip to lip,
among those who were faithful to the traditions of a glorious past.

"Madame St. Pierre Lawrence," Albert de Chantonnay told Colville, in
reply, "is not here to-night. She is, however, at her villa, at Royan.
She has not, perhaps, displayed such interest in our meetings as she
did before you departed on your long journey through France. But her
generosity is unchanged. The money, which, in the hurry of the moment,
you did not withdraw from her bank--"

"I doubt whether it was ever there," interrupted Colville.

"She informs me," concluded Albert, "is still at our service. We have
many other promises, which must now be recalled to the minds of those
who made them. But from no one have we received such generous support as
from your kinswoman."

They were standing apart, and in a few minutes the Marquis de Gemosac
joined them.

"How daring!