he is condemned outwardly because he brought an Eagle here and it is
gone?"

"Yes, that is true."

"And has it not been said that if he produced the Eagle his life could
be spared and he could go?"

"That is also true."

"And would it not allay the dissatisfaction of the regiment and
contribute to the establishment of your authority if he gave it up?"

"My authority is established by the King."

"The maintenance of it, then. Would it not enable you to control and
hold in check these people, if you could show that you had not been
balked?"

"That may be," said the Marquis. "Go on."

"And, if he should produce the Eagle----"

"I would save his life, but he would be a discredited man among his
comrades, if I know anything about it."

"Oh, not that, surely."

"Surely; and I may tell you that if I were in his place I would do
exactly as he has done."

The woman stepped nearer and put her hand to her head.

"Nevertheless, I must see him. Have mercy!" she entreated piteously.

"Why? Do you think you can persuade him to produce the Eagle--to his
discredit, be it remembered?" asked the old man, surveying her keenly,
realizing at last the extraordinary interest she took in Marteau.

"But it is his life if he does not."

"Do you care so much for--his life?"

"Yes," answered the woman, looking the Marquis straight in the eyes.

He recognized a will as inflexible as his own. It aroused his
admiration. He arose to his feet. He bowed before her.

"Mademoiselle," he said firmly, "you have the strength of our house.
Perhaps it might be well if he could be induced to produce the Eagle
and be thus discredited in the eyes of his comrades. It would tend to
make my authority more secure. It would be to the advantage of the
King."

"Yes, yes."

"But what argument can you bring?"

"I--I do not know."

"Alas, my child, you know more than you will tell. Oh, I recognize
that it is useless to appeal, and impossible to constrain. Well, you
give me your word of honor that whatever happens you will carry through
the engagement with Captain Yeovil, and that we will together arrange a
proper time and that you----"

"I give it."

"Your hand," said the Marquis. "Without there!" He raised his voice.
An orderly appeared. "Send Monsieur St. Laurent to me."

"Monsieur," continued the old man, as the officer presented himself,
"you will conduct the Countess Laure d'Aumenier to the small
drawing-room; you will