CHAPTER XI.

A COUNSEL OF EXPEDIENCY.

The foundation of the family and Castle of Sagan was said to belong to
the period of the Frankish incursions. Some one had once remarked that
Count Simon himself was the most perfect relic of the barbaric period to
be found in Europe, which, coming round in due time to Count Simon, the
joker paid with his life for his poor attempt at wit.

However true this tradition of Sagan might be, the Castle itself was
mediaeval, and, though it had been added to and restored, dark and
tortuous passages still existed in the older portion of its huge bulk,
and could by no means be improved away. Treacherous steps waylaid and
betrayed the unwary foot; undreamed-of doors gave upon their dimmest
corners, and not all the efforts of the nervous chatelaine ever
accomplished the adequate lighting of their recesses.

The spirit of fear seemed to be abroad in the Castle that night, and the
guests moved with a causeless but irresistible hurry when coming or
going from the upper apartments or through the winding corridors.

Valerie was conscious of it, as, wrapped in a long cloak, she opened
her door and started back on finding a tall high-shouldered figure
standing outside.

'Take my arm, Mademoiselle, I beg of you,' von Elmur bent his head,
speaking urgently: 'I am aware that his August Impertinence well
deserved your rebuke! But many heard it, and by some a sinister
construction has been put upon it. For your father's sake, will you
condescend to listen to me?'

Valerie withdrew her hand from his arm with a swift movement, but he
caught and replaced it almost roughly.

'Forgive me, Mademoiselle, you must listen to me! I am not urging my
suit upon you--I will not urge it until you consult your father; but, in
the meantime, the exigencies of the case, difficulties which have arisen
as the result of your own words, make it essential for you to follow my
advice. You are aware, you must be aware, of my feelings towards you,
and may I remind you that your father's wishes coincide with mine? Will
you allow me to announce our betrothal to the Count? I will never
presume upon this favour in the future--you may rely upon me. Valerie,
you see I am using no lover's persuasiveness, I do not tell you that I
adore you--though you are well aware of that! I only declare that your
falling in with my request may mean the difference between life and
death to some of us!'

'Is my father in danger through my