that he had stripped me, while
I lay, of everything of value; but he may have done this in the belief
that I should die.

All I know is that I knew nothing certain, because the fear died almost
as soon as it was born. The man had scarcely seated himself again, or I
conceived the thought, when a second alarm outside caused him to spring
to his feet. Scowling and muttering as he went, he hurried to the
window. But before he reached it the door was dashed violently open, and
Simon Fleix stood in the entrance.

There came in with him so blessed a rush of light and life as in a
moment dispelled the horror of the room, and stripped me at one and the
same time of fear and manhood. For whether I would or no, at sight of
the familiar face, which I had fled so lately, I burst into tears; and,
stretching out my hands to him, as a frightened child might have done,
called on him by name. I suppose the plague was by this time so plainly
written on my face that all who looked might read; for he stood at gaze,
staring at me, and was still so standing when a hand put him aside and
a slighter, smaller figure, pale-faced and hooded, stood for a moment
between me and the sunshine. It was mademoiselle!

That, I thank God, restored me to myself, or I had been for ever shamed.
I cried to them with all the voice I had left to take her away; and
calling out frantically again and again that I had the plague and she
would die, I bade the man close the door. Nay, regaining something of
strength in my fear for her, I rose up, half-dressed as I was, and would
have fled into some corner to avoid her, still calling out to them to
take her away, to take her away--if a fresh paroxysm had not seized me,
so that I fell blind and helpless where I was.

For a time after that I knew nothing; until someone held water to my
lips, and I drank greedily, and presently awoke to the fact that the
entrance was dark with faces and figures all gazing at me as I lay. But
I could not see her; and I had sense enough to know and be thankful that
she was no longer among them. I would fain have bidden Maignan to begone
too, for I read the consternation in his face. But I could not muster
strength or voice for the purpose, and when I turned my head to see
who held me--ah me! it comes back to me still in dreams--it was
mademoiselle's hair that swept my forehead and her hand that ministered
to me; while tears she did not try to hide or wipe away fell on my hot
cheek. I cou