own account, I so
pushed my inquiries and offers of service that she told me what that
peril was. She said she was the victim of a slander which only Monsieur
de Merri's presence here could clear her of. We were soon interrupted
and she left me. I did not see her again, but it appeared to me that, as
Monsieur de Merri's presence here would have stood in her favour, the
news of his intention to be here must also stand that way. And now,
Monsieur, you have the whole story."

It seemed to have weight with him: but, alas, he looked to the Captain
for an opinion. That gentleman, regarding me with a smile of ironical
admiration, uttered a monosyllabic laugh in his throat, and said:

"There is one thing we can believe, at least. We know Monsieur de
Merri's habit of disclosing his affairs with ladies to strangers at
inns."

The Count's face grew dark again.

"But we can never be sure how much may have passed between Monsieur de
Merri and this gentleman on the subject before they quarrelled, or what
was the real motive that brought him here."

"My God!" I cried; "what gentleman could require a stronger motive than
I have shown? Having prevented Monsieur de Merri from coming here upon
so urgent a matter, what else could I do in honour but come in his
place?"

"'In his place'--yes, perhaps, that is well said," retorted the Captain,
with his evil smile.

The Count, whose judgment seemed entirely under the dominion of his
friend, looked at me again as if he would destroy me. After a moment, he
took a turn across the hall and back, and then said to me:

"Well, in the midst of all this deceit and uncertainty one thing is
clear. You know too much of our private affairs here to be permitted to
go where you will, for the present. I must ask you, therefore, to keep
to your chamber awhile. Your wants will be provided for there. I will
show you the way myself, on this occasion." He motioned toward the
stairway, and the Captain stood ready to accompany him.

"That amounts to making me a prisoner, Monsieur," said I.

"We shall not dispute over words," replied the Count. "By your own
confession, you are liable to the law for killing Monsieur de Merri."

"I have reason to expect the King's pardon for that. Measures have
already been taken."

"Pray don't keep me waiting, Monsieur. I should not like to be compelled
to have my men lay hands on you." At the same time his smile looked as
if he would like that very much.

There was n