"

In accordance with this request, I related the substance of the
conversation which had occurred among the Frenchmen while I was being
conveyed toward Ajaccio. The count listened intently, never
interrupting me once, but I could see by the expression of his features
how powerfully he was moved, especially by the remarks which had
reference to his daughter. When I had finished--

"Thank you signor--how shall I call you?" said he.

"My name is Ralph Chester," I replied.

"I thank you sincerely, Signor Ralph, for the very valuable information
which you have afforded me. It gives to my position an altogether new
and somewhat alarming aspect. It is true that I am safe, so far as the
papers which you brought are concerned; they are out of my hands, and,
even if discovered, contain nothing which could possibly compromise me;
but what you have just told me appears to indicate a decided _desire_ on
the part of the French to find some excuse for molesting me.
Personally, there is nothing I should like better than an opportunity
for holding the chateau against an attack from the French. I hate them
with a deadly hatred--heaven knows it is not without ample cause!--but
if the day were to go against us, I shudder to think of the inevitable
fate of my darling child. But, signor, she should never fall into their
hands alive. I would rather blot out her innocent young life with these
unarmed hands than leave her alive at the mercy of those fiends. I have
already told you somewhat of what they can do, but they are capable of
even greater refinement of cruelty than that which poor Bell' Demonio
experienced at their hands. I am glad to have heard what you have just
told me, but it greatly increases my anxiety; could I only place
Francesca in safety it would not greatly matter, but as it is--yes, I
must endeavour to find a secure retreat for my child, or I shall have no
further peace of mind. The more I think of it the clearer does it
become that the chateau is no longer a fit place for her."

We conversed for some time longer, and then Maria made her appearance,
and, with the licence of an old servant, unhesitatingly expressed her
conviction that I had conversed far more freely than was at all good for
me in my feeble condition, and asserted decidedly that unless I were at
once left for the rest of the day in perfect quiet, the direst
consequences would surely follow. Upon this the count abruptly took his
departure, with