d speaking in the tone of
authority he knew so well how to adopt. 'For you, M. d'Aremburg, I thank
you. Turenne is happy in his friend. But; this gentleman came to me of
his own free will and I do not think it consistent with my honour to
detain him without warning given. I grant him an hour to remove himself
from my neighbourhood. If he be found after that time has elapsed,' he
continued solemnly, 'his fate be on his own head. Gentlemen, we are late
already. Let us on.'

I looked at him as he pronounced this sentence, and strove to find words
in which to make a final appeal to him. But no words came; and when he
bade me stand aside, I did so mechanically, remaining with my head bared
to the sunshine while the troop rode by. Some looked back at me with
curiosity, as at a man of whom they had heard a tale, and some with a
jeer on their lips; a few with dark looks of menace. When they were all
gone, and the servants who followed them had disappeared also, and I was
left to the inquisitive glances of the rabble who stood gaping after the
sight, I turned and went to the Cid, and loosed the horse with a feeling
of bitter disappointment.

The plan which mademoiselle had proposed and I had adopted in the forest
by St. Gaultier--when it seemed to us that our long absence and the
great events of which we heard must have changed the world and opened a
path for our return--had failed utterly. Things were as they had been;
the strong were still strong, and friendship under bond to fear. Plainly
we should have shewn ourselves wiser had we taken the lowlier course,
and, obeying the warnings given us, waited the King of Navarre's
pleasure or the tardy recollection of Rosny. I had not then stood, as I
now stood, in instant jeopardy, nor felt the keen pangs of a separation
which bade fair to be lasting. She was safe, and that was much; but I,
after long service and brief happiness, must go out again alone, with
only memories to comfort me.

It was Simon Fleix's voice which awakened me from this unworthy
lethargy--as selfish as it was useless--and, recalling me to myself,
reminded me that precious time was passing while I stood inactive. To
get at me he had forced his way through the curious crowd, and his face
was flushed. He plucked me by the sleeve, regarding the varlets round
him with a mixture of anger and fear.

'Nom de Dieu! do they take you for a rope-dancer?' he muttered in my
ear. 'Mount, sir, and come. There is not a momen