end. They will put me in a
convent, and I shall see you no more, but I shall have saved you."

In vain I begged her not to do so; her purpose was strong, and I could
only get her promise that she would not act till midnight. This was
hardly achieved when Gabord entered quickly, saying, "The Seigneur
Duvarney! On with your coat, wig, and cap! Quick, mademoiselle!"

Swiftly the disguise was put on, and I clasped her to my breast with a
joyful agony, while Gabord hastily put out the candles and torch,
and drew Alixe behind the dungeon door. Then standing himself in the
doorway, he loudly commended me to sleep sound and be ready for travel
in the morning. Taking the hint, I threw myself upon my couch, and
composed myself. An instant afterwards the Seigneur appeared with a
soldier, and Gabord met him cheerfully, looked at the order from the
Governor, and motioned the Seigneur in and the soldier away. As Duvarney
stepped inside, Gabord followed, holding up a torch. I rose to meet my
visitor, and as I took his hand I saw Gabord catch Alixe by the sleeve
and hurry her out with a whispered word, swinging the door behind her
as she passed. Then he stuck the torch in the wall, went out, shut and
bolted the dungeon door, and left us two alone.

I was glad that Alixe's safety had been assured, and my greeting of her
father was cordial. But he was more reserved than I had ever known him.
The duel with his son, which had sent the youth to France and left him
with a wound which would trouble him for many a day, weighed heavily
against me. Again, I think that he guessed my love for Alixe, and
resented it with all his might. What Frenchman would care to have his
daughter lose her heart to one accused of a wretched crime, condemned to
death, an enemy of his country, and a Protestant? I was sure that should
he guess at the exact relations between us, Alixe would be sent behind
the tall doors of a convent, where I should knock in vain.

"You must not think, Moray," said he, "that I have been indifferent to
your fate, but you can not guess how strong the feeling is against you,
how obdurate is the Governor, who, if he should appear lax in dealing
with you, would give a weapon into Bigot's hands which might ruin him in
France one day. I have but this moment come from the Governor, and there
seems no way to move him."

I saw that he was troubled greatly, and I felt his helplessness. He went
on: "There is but one man who could bend the Gov