e.'

'Why?' she asked with a slight frown.

I did not know how to tell her, and I began lamely. 'Someone must stop
with madame,' I said without thought.

'Madame?' she exclaimed. 'Does she require assistance? I will stop.'

'God forbid!' I cried.

I do not know how she understood the words, but her face, which had been
full of softness, grew hard. She moved quickly towards me; but, mindful
of the danger I carried about me, I drew farther back. 'No nearer,
mademoiselle,' I murmured, 'if you please.'

She looked puzzled, and finally angry, turning away with a sarcastic
bow. 'So be it, then, sir,' she said proudly, 'if you desire it. M.
d'Agen, if you are not afraid of me, will you lead me down?'

I stood and watched them go down the hill, comforting myself with the
reflection that to-morrow, or the next day, or within a few days at
most, all would be well. Scanning her figure as she moved, I fancied
that she went with less spirit as the space increased between us. And I
pleased myself with the notion. A few days, a few hours, I thought, and
all would be well. The sunset which blazed in the west was no more than
a faint reflection of the glow which for a few minutes pervaded my mind,
long accustomed to cold prospects and the chill of neglect.

A term was put to these pleasant imaginings by the arrival of Maignan;
who, panting from the ascent of the hill, informed me with a shamefaced
air that the tale of horses was complete, but that four of our men were
missing, and had doubtless gone off with the fugitives. These proved
to be M. d'Agen's two lackeys and the two varlets M. de Rambouillet had
lent us. There remained besides Simon Fleix only Maignan's three men
from Rosny; but the state in which our affairs now stood enabled us to
make light of this. I informed the equerry--who visibly paled at the
news--that M. de Bruhl lay ill of the plague, and like to die; and I
bade him form a camp in the wood below, and, sending for food to
the house where we had slept the night before, make mademoiselle as
comfortable as circumstances permitted.

He listened with surprise, and when I had done asked with concern what I
intended to do myself.

'Someone must remain with Madam de Bruhl,' I answered. 'I have already
been to the bedside to procure the key of mademoiselle's room, and I run
no farther risk. All I ask is that you will remain in the neighbourhood,
and furnish us with supplies should it be necessary.'

He looked at