possessed of prudence and energy, and sure not to leave Paris. Will you
be that man, Maxime?"

M. de Brevan, who had remained in his chair, rose, and, putting his hand
on his heart, said,--

"Between us, Daniel, oaths are useless; don't you think so? I say,
therefore, simply, you may count upon me."

"And I do count upon you," exclaimed Daniel,--"yes, blindly and
absolutely; and I am going to give you a striking proof of it."

For a few moments it looked as if he were trying to find some brief and
yet impressive form for his communication; and then he said, speaking
very rapidly,--

"If I leave in despair, it is because I leave Henrietta in the hands of
the enemy. What persecution she will have to endure! My heart bleeds at
the mere thought. Miss Brandon must be meditating some terrible blow, or
she would not have been so anxious to keep me at a distance."

He sobbed almost, so great was his excitement; but he instantly became
master again of his emotion, and continued,--

"Well, Maxime, I shall ask you to watch over Henrietta. I intrust her to
you as I would intrust her to my brother, if I had one."

M. de Brevan was about to state some objections; but Daniel cut him
short, saying,--

"I will tell you how and in what manner you can watch over Miss
Ville-Handry. To-morrow evening I shall see her, and tell her the new
misfortune which has befallen us. I shall take leave of her then. I know
she will be terrified; but then, to reassure her, I shall explain to her
that I leave her a friend, another myself, ready, like myself, to assist
her at her first summons, and ready, like myself, to run any danger in
order to succor her. I shall tell her to appeal to you as if it were to
myself; to write to you as she used to write to me; to keep you informed
of all they may attempt to do; to consult and to obey you without
hesitation.

"As to what you will have to do, Maxime, I cannot tell you that, even
in a general way, as I know nothing of Miss Brandon's plans. I rely
upon your experience to do what is most expedient. Still there are two
alternatives which I can foresee. It may be that her father's house
becomes impossible for Henrietta, and that she should wish to leave
it. It may also be, that, under certain circumstances, you may think it
inexpedient for her to remain there, and that you have to advise her
to escape. In either case, you will take Henrietta to an old lady, a
relative of mine, who lives at the Rosier