Heutteredalowcurse，droppedthepitcherhewascarrying，andstoodglaringatmelikeamanpossessed。
　　Thesoldierwhosewinehewascarryingflungacrustinhisface，with，——
　　'Now，greasyfingers！Whatareyoustaringat？'
　　'Thedevil！'thelandlordmuttered，beginningtotremble。
　　'Thenletmelookathim！'themanretorted，andheturnedonhisstool。
　　Hestarted，findingmestandingoverhim。
　　'Atyourservice！'Isaidgrimly。'Alittletimeanditwillbetheotherway，myfriend。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　AMASTERSTROKE
　　Ihaveawaywithmewhichcommonlycommandsrespect；andwhenthelandlord'sfirstterrorwasoverandhewouldserveme，I
　　managedtogetmysupper——thefirstgoodmealIhadhadintwodays——prettycomfortablyinspiteofthesoldiers'presence。Thecrowd，too，whichfilledtheroom，soonbegantomelt。Themenstrayedoffingroupstowatertheirhorses，orwenttohuntuptheirquarters，untilonlytwoorthreewereleft。Duskhadfallenoutside；thenoiseinthestreetgrewless。Thefirelightbegantoglowandflickeronthewalls，andthewretchedroomtolookashomelyasitwasinitsnaturetolook。IwasponderingforthetwentiethtimewhatstepIshouldtakenext，andquestioningwhythesoldierswerehere，andwhetherIshouldletthenightpassbeforeImoved，whenthedoor，whichhadbeenturningonitshingesalmostwithoutpauseforanhour，openedagain，andawomancamein。
　　Shepausedamomentonthethresholdlookinground，andIsawthatshehadashawlonherheadandamilk-pitcherinherhand，andthatherfeetandankleswerebare。Therewasagreatrentinhercoarsestuffpetticoat，andthehandwhichheldtheshawltogetherwasbrownanddirty。MoreIdidnotsee：for，supposinghertobeaneighbourstolenin，nowthatthehousewasquiet，togetsomemilkforherchildorthelike，Itooknofartherheedofher。Iturnedtothefireagainandplungedintomythoughts。
　　Buttogettothehearthwherethegoodwifewasfidgetingthewomanhadtopassinfrontofme；andasshepassedIsupposethatshestolealookatmefromunderhershawl。Forjustwhenshecamebetweenmeandtheblazesheutteredalowcryandshrankaside——soquicklythatshealmoststeppedonthehearth。
　　Thenextmomentsheturnedherbacktome，andwasstoopingwhisperinginthehousewife'sear。Astrangermighthavethoughtthatshehadtroddenonahotember。
　　Butanotheridea，andaverystrangeone，cameintomymind；andIstoodupsilently。Thewoman'sbackwastowardsme，butsomethinginherheight，hershape，theposeofherheadhiddenasitwasbyhershawl，seemedfamiliar。Iwaitedwhileshehungoverthefirewhispering，andwhilethegoodwifeslowlyfilledherpitcheroutofthegreatblackpot。Butwhensheturnedtogo，Itookastepforwardsoastobarherway。Andoureyesmet。
　　Icouldnotseeherfeatures；theywerelostintheshadowofthehood。ButIsawashiverrunthroughherfromheadtofoot。AndIknewthenthatIhadmadenomistake。
　　'Thatistooheavyforyou，mygirl，'Isaidfamiliarly，asI
　　mighthavespokentoavillagewench。'Iwillcarryitforyou。'
　　Oneofthemen，whoremainedlollingatthetable，laughed，andtheotherbegantosingalowsong。Thewomantrembledinrageorfear；butshekeptsilenceandletmetakethejugfromherhands；andwhenIwenttothedoorandopenedit，shefollowedmechanically。Aninstant，andthedoorfelltobehindus，shuttingoffthelightandglow，andwetwostoodtogetherinthegrowingdusk。
　　'Itislateforyoutobeout，Mademoiselle，'Isaidpolitely。
　　'Youmightmeetwithsomerudeness，dressedasyouare。Permitmetoseeyouhome。'
　　Sheshuddered，andIthoughtthatIheardhersob，butshedidnotanswer。Instead，sheturnedandwalkedquicklythroughthevillageinthedirectionoftheChateau，keepingintheshadowofthehouses。Icarriedthepitcherandwalkedclosetoher，besideher；andinthedarkIsmiled。Iknewhowshameandimpotentragewereworkinginher。Thiswassomethinglikerevenge！
　　PresentlyIspoke。
　　'Well，Mademoiselle，'Isaid，'whereareyourgrooms？'
　　Shegavemeonelook，hereyesblazingwithanger，herfacelikehateitself；andafterthatIsaidnomore，butleftherinpeace，andcontentedmyselfwithwalkingathershoulderuntilwecametotheendofthevillage，wherethetracktothegreathouseplungedintothewood。Thereshestopped，andturnedonmelikeawildcreatureatbay。
　　'Whatdoyouwant？'shecriedhoarsely，breathingasifshehadbeenrunning。
　　'Toseeyousafetothehouse，'Iansweredcoolly。'Aloneyoumightbeinsulted。'
　　'AndifIwillnot？'sheretorted。
　　'Thechoicedoesnotliewithyou，Mademoiselle，'Iansweredsternly，'Youwillgotothehousewithme，andonthewayyouwillgivemeaninterview——lateasitis；butnothere。Herewearenotprivateenough。Wemaybeinterruptedatanymoment，andIwishtospeaktoyouatlength。'
　　'Atlength？'shemuttered。
　　'Yes，Mademoiselle。'
　　Isawhershiver。'WhatifIwillnot？"shesaidagain。
　　'Imightcalltothenearestsoldiersandtellthemwhoyouare，'
　　Iansweredcoolly。'Imightdothat，butIshouldnot。Thatwereaclumsywayofpunishingyou，andIknowabetterway。I
　　shouldgototheCaptain，Mademoiselle，andtellhimwhosehorseislockedupintheinnstable。Atroopertoldme——assomeonehadtoldhim——thatitbelongedtooneofhisofficers；butI
　　lookedthroughthecrack，andIknewthehorseagain。'
　　Shecouldnotrepressagroan。Iwaited；stillshedidnotspeak。
　　'ShallIgototheCaptain？'Isaidruthlessly。
　　Sheshookthehoodbackfromherfaceandlookedatme。
　　'Oh，youcoward！youcoward！'shehissedthroughherteeth。
　　'IfIhadaknife！'
　　'Butyouhavenot，Mademoiselle，'Ianswered，unmoved。'Begoodenough，therefore，tomakeupyourmindwhichitistobe。AmI
　　togowithmynewstothecaptain，oramItocomewithyou？'
　　'Givemethepitcher，'shesaidharshly。
　　Ididso，wondering。Inamomentsheflungitwithasavagegesturefarintothebushes。
　　'Come！'shesaid，'ifyouwill。ButsomedayGodwillpunishyou！'
　　Withoutanotherwordsheturnedandenteredthepaththroughthetrees，andIfollowedher。Isupposethateveryoneofitswindings，everyhollowandbrokenplaceinithadbeenknowntoherfromchildhood，forshefolloweditswiftlyandunerringly，barefootasshewas。Ihadtowalkfastthroughthedarknesstokeepupwithher。Thewoodwasquiet，butthefrogswerebeginningtocroakinthepool，andtheirpersistentchorusremindedmeofthenightwhenIhadcometothehouse-door，hurtandwornout，andClonhadadmittedme，andshehadstoodunderthegalleryinthehall。Thingshadlookeddarkthen。Ihadseenbutaverylittlewayaheadthen。Nowallwasplain。Thecommandantmightbeherewithallhissoldiers，butitwasIwhoheldthestrings。
　　Wecametothelittlewoodenbridgeandsawbeyondthedarkmeadowsthelightsofthehouse。Allthewindowswerebright。
　　Doubtlessthetroopersweremakingmerry。
　　'Now，Mademoiselle，'Isaidquietly，'Imusttroubleyoutostophere，andgivemeyourattentionforafewminutes。Afterwardsyoumaygoyourway。'
　　'Speak！'shesaiddefiantly。'Andbequick！Icannotbreathetheairwhereyouare！Itpoisonsme！'
　　'Ah！'Isaidslowly。'Doyouthinkthatyoumakethingsbetterbysuchspeechesasthose？'
　　'Oh！'shecriedandIheardherteethclicktogether。'Wouldyouhavemefawnonyou？'
　　'Perhapsnot，'Ianswered。'Stillyoumakeonemistake。'
　　'Whatisit？'shepanted。
　　'YouforgetthatIamtobefearedaswellas——loathed，Mademoiselle！Ay，Mademoiselle，tobefeared！'Icontinuedgrimly。'DoyouthinkthatIdonotknowwhyyouarehereinthisguise？DoyouthinkthatIdonotknowforwhomthatpitcherofbrothwasintended？Orwhowillnowhavetofastto-
　　night？ItellyouIknowallthesethings。Yourhousewasfullofsoldiers；yourservantswerewatchedandcouldnotleave。Youhadtocomeyourselfandgetfoodforhim？'
　　Sheclutchedatthehandrailofthebridge，andforaninstantclungtoitforsupport。Herface，fromwhichtheshawlhadfallen，glimmeredwhiteintheshadowofthetrees。AtlastI
　　hadshakenherpride。Atlast！
　　'Whatisyourprice？'shemurmuredfaintly。
　　'Iamgoingtotellyou，'Ireplied，speakingsothateverywordmightfalldistinctlyonherears，andsatingmyeyesthewhileonherproudface。Ihadneverdreamedofsuchrevengeasthis！
　　'Aboutafortnightago，M。deCocheforetlefthereatnightwithalittleorange-colouredsachetinhispossession。'
　　Sheutteredastifledcry，anddrewherselfstifflyerect。
　　'Itcontained——butthere，Mademoiselle，youknowitscontents，'I
　　wenton。'Whatevertheywere，M。deCocheforetlostitandthematstarting。Aweekagohecameback——unfortunatelyforhimself——toseekthem。'
　　Shewaslookingfullinmyfacenow。Sheseemedscarcelytobreatheintheintensityofhersurpriseandexpectation。
　　'Youhadasearchmade，Mademoiselle，'Icontinuedquietly。
　　'YourservantsleftnoplaceunexploredThepaths，theroads，theverywoodswereransacked，Butinvain，becauseallthewhiletheorangesachetlaywholeandunopenedinmypocket。'
　　'No！'shecriedimpetuously。'There，youliesir，asusual！
　　Thesachetwasfound，tornopen，manyleaguesfromthisplace！'
　　'WhereIthrewit，Mademoiselle，'Ireplied，'thatImightmisleadyourrascalsandbefreetoreturntoyou。Oh！believeme，'Icontinued，lettingsomethingofmytrueself，somethingofmytriumph，appearatlastinmyvoice。'Youhavemadeamistake！Youwouldhavedonebetterhadyoutrustedme。Iamnobundleofsawdust，Mademoiselle，thoughonceyougotthebetterofme，butaman；amanwithanarmtoshieldandabraintoserve，and——asIamgoingtoteachyou——aheartalso！'
　　Sheshivered。
　　'Intheorange-colouredsachetthatyoulostIbelievethattherewereeighteenstonesofgreatvalue？'
　　Shemadenoanswer，butshelookedatmeasifIfascinatedher。
　　Herverybreathseemedtopauseandwaitonmywords。Shewassolittleconsciousofanythingelse，ofanythingoutsideourselves，thatascoreofmenmighthavecomeupbehindher，unseenandunnoticed。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　AMASTERSTROKE——ContinuedItookfrommybreastalittlepacketwrappedinsoftleather，andIheldittowardsher。
　　'Willyouopenthis？'Isaid。'Ibelievethatitcontainswhatyourbrotherlost。ThatitcontainsallIwillnotanswer，Mademoiselle，becauseIspilledthestonesonthefloorofmyroom，andImayhavefailedtofindsome。Buttheotherscanberecovered；Iknowwheretheyare。'
　　Shetookthepacketslowlyandbegantounrollit，herfingersshaking。Afewturnsandthemildlustreofthestonesshoneout，makingakindofmoonlightinherhands——suchashimmeringgloryofimprisonedlightashasruinedmanyawomanandrobbedmanyamanofhishonour。MORBLEU！asIlookedatthemandasshestoodlookingatthemindull，entrancedperplexity——I
　　wonderedhowIhadcometoresistthetemptation。
　　WhileIgazedherhandsbegantowaver。
　　'Icannotcount，'shemutteredhelplessly。'Howmanyarethere？'
　　'Inall，eighteen。'
　　'Thereshouldbeeighteen，'shesaid。
　　Sheclosedherhandonthemwiththat，andopeneditagain，anddidsotwice，asiftoreassureherselfthatthestoneswererealandthatshewasnotdreaming。Thensheturnedtomewithsuddenfierceness，andIsawthatherbeautifulface，sharpenedbythegreedofpossession，wasgrownaskeenandviciousasbefore。
　　'Well？'shemutteredbetweenherteeth。
　　'Yourprice，man？Yourprice？'
　　'Iamcomingtoitnow，Mademoiselle，'Isaidgravely。'Itisasimplematter。YouremembertheafternoonwhenIfollowedyou——clumsilyandthoughtlesslyperhaps——throughthewoodtorestorethesethings？Inseemingthathappenedaboutamonthago。I
　　believethatithappenedthedaybeforeyesterday。Youcalledmethensomeveryharshnames，whichIwillnothurtyoubyrepeating。TheonlypriceIaskfortherestorationofyourjewelsisthatyouonyourpartrecallthosenames。'
　　'How？'shemuttered。'Idonotunderstand。'
　　Irepeatedmywordsveryslowly。'TheonlypriceorrewardI
　　ask，Mademoiselle，isthatyoutakebackthosenamesandsaythattheywerenotdeserved。'
　　'Andthejewels？'sheexclaimedhoarsely。
　　'Theyareyours。Theyarenotmine。Theyarenothingtome。
　　Takethem，andsaythatyoudonotthinkofme——Nay，Icannotsaythewords，Mademoiselle。'
　　'Butthereissomething——else！Whatelse？'shecried，herheadthrownback，hereyes，brightasanywildanimal's，searchingmine。'Ha！mybrother？Whatofhim？Whatofhim，sir？'
　　'Forhim，Mademoiselle——IwouldpreferthatyoushouldtellmenomorethanIknowalready，'Iansweredinalowvoice。'Idonotwishtobeinthataffair。Butyes；thereisonethingIhavenotmentioned。Youareright。'
　　ShesighedsodeeplythatIcaughtthesound。
　　'Itis，'Icontinuedslowly，'thatyouwillpermitmetoremainatCocheforetforafewdayswhilethesoldiersarehere。Iamtoldthattherearetwentymenandtwoofficersquarteredinyourhouse。Yourbrotherisaway。Iasktobepermitted，Mademoiselle，totakehisplaceforthetime，andtobeprivilegedtoprotectyoursisterandyourselffrominsult。Thatisall。'
　　Sheraisedherhandtoherhead。Afteralongpause，——
　　'Thefrogs！'shemuttered，'theycroak！Icannothear。'
　　Then，tomysurprise，sheturnedquicklyandsuddenlyonherheel，andwalkedoverthebridge，leavingmestandingthere。ForamomentIstoodaghast，peeringafterhershadowyfigure，andwonderingwhathadtakenher。Then，inaminuteorless，shecamequicklybacktome，andIunderstood。Shewascrying。
　　'M。deBarthe，'shesaid，inatremblingvoice，whichtoldmethatthevictorywaswon，'istherenothingelse？Haveyounootherpenanceforme？'
　　'None，Mademoiselle。'
　　Shehaddrawntheshawloverherhead，andInolongersawherface。
　　'Thatisallyouask？'shemurmured。
　　'ThatisallIask——now，'Ianswered。
　　'Itisgranted，'shesaidslowlyandfirmly。'ForgivemeifI
　　seemtospeaklightly——ifIseemtomakelittleofyourgenerosityormyshame；butIcansaynomorenow。Iamsodeepintroubleandsognawedbyterrorthat——Icannotfeelanythingkeenlyto-night，eithershameorgratitude。Iaminadream；Godgrantthatitmaypassasadream！Wearesunkintrouble。Butforyouandwhatyouhavedone，M。deBarthe——I——'shepausedandIheardherfightingwiththesobswhichchokedher——'forgiveme……Iamoverwrought。Andmy——myfeetarecold，'sheadded，suddenlyandirrelevantly。'Willyoutakemehome？'
　　'Ah，Mademoiselle，'Icriedremorsefully，'Ihavebeenabeast！
　　Youarebarefoot，andIhavekeptyouhere。'
　　'Itisnothing，'shesaidinavoicewhichthrilledme。'Myheartiswarm，Monsieur——thankstoyou。Itismanyhourssinceithasbeenaswarm。'
　　Shesteppedoutoftheshadowasshespoke——andthere，thethingwasdone。AsIhadplanned，soithadcomeabout。OncemoreI
　　wascrossingthemeadowinthedarktobereceivedatCocheforet，awelcomeguest。Thefrogscroakedinthepoolandabatswoopedroundusincircles；andsurelynever——never，Ithought，withakindofexultationinmybreast——hadmanbeenplacedinastrangerposition。
　　Somewhereintheblackwoodbehindus——probablyintheoutskirtsofthevillage——lurkedM。deCocheforet。Inthegreathousebeforeus，outlinedbyascoreoflightedwindows，werethesoldierscomefromAuchtotakehim。Betweenthetwo，movingsidebysideinthedarkness，inasilencewhicheachfoundtobeeloquent，wereMademoiselleandI：shewhoknewsomuch，Iwhoknewall——allbutonelittlething！
　　Wereachedthehouse，andIsuggestedthatsheshouldstealinfirstbythewayshehadcomeout，andthatIshouldwaitalittleandknockatthedoorwhenshehadhadtimetoexplainmatterstoClon。
　　'TheydonotletmeseeClon，'sheansweredslowly。
　　'Thenyourwomanmusttellhim，'Irejoined，'orhemaydosomethingandbetrayme。'
　　'Theywillnotletourwomencometous。'
　　'What？'Icried，astonished。'Butthisisinfamous。Youarenotprisoners！'
　　Mademoisellelaughedharshly。
　　'Arewenot？Well，Isupposenot；forifwewantedcompany，CaptainLarollesaidthathewouldbedelightedtoseeus——intheparlour。'
　　'Hehastakenyourparlour？'Isaid。
　　'Heandhislieutenantsitthere。ButIsupposethatwerebelsshouldbethankful，'sheaddedbitterly；'wehavestillourbedroomslefttous。'
　　'Verywell，'Isaid。'ThenImustdealwithClonasIcan。ButIhavestillafavourtoask，Mademoiselle。Itisonlythatyouandyoursisterwilldescendto-morrowatyourusualtime。I
　　shallbeintheparlour。'
　　'Iwouldrathernot，'shesaid，pausingandspeakinginatroubledvoice。
　　'Areyouafraid？'
　　'No，Monsieur，Iamnotafraid，'sheansweredproudly，'but——'
　　'Youwillcome？'Isaid。
　　Shesighedbeforeshespoke。Atlength，——
　　'Yes，Iwillcome——ifyouwishit，'sheanswered。Andthenextmomentshewasgoneroundthecornerofthehouse，whileI
　　laughedtothinkoftheexcellentwatchthesegallantgentlemenwerekeeping。M。deCocheforetmighthavebeenwithherinthegarden，mighthavetalkedwithherasIhadtalked，mighthaveenteredthehouseeven，andpassedundertheirnosesscot-free。
　　Butthatisthewayofsoldiers。Theyarealwaysreadyfortheenemy，withdrumsbeatingandflagsflying——atteno'clockinthemorning。Buthedoesnotalwayscomeatthathour。
　　Iwaitedalittle，andthenIgropedmywaytothedoorandknockedonitwiththehiltofmysword。Thedogsbegantobarkattheback，andthechorusofadrinking-song，whichcamefitfullyfromtheeastwing，ceasedaltogether。Aninnerdooropened，andanangryvoice，apparentlyanofficer's，begantoratesomeonefornotcoming。Anothermoment，andaclamourofvoicesandfootstepsseemedtopourintothehall，andfillit。
　　Iheardthebarjerkedaway，thedoorwasflungopen，andinatwinklingalanthorn，behindwhichadozenflushedvisagesweredimlyseen，wasthrustintomyface。
　　'Why，whothefiendisthis？'onecried，glaringatmeinastonishment。
　　'MORBLEU！Itistheman！'anothershrieked。'Seizehim！'
　　Inamomenthalfadozenhandswerelaidonmyshoulders，butI
　　onlybowedpolitely。
　　'Theofficer，myfriends，'Isaid，'M。leCapitaineLarolle。
　　'Whereishe？'
　　'DIABLE！butwhoareyou，first？'thelanthorn-bearerretortedbluntly。Hewasatall，lankysergeant，withasinisterface。
　　'Well，IamnotM。deCocheforet，'Ireplied；'andthatmustsatisfyyou，myman。Fortherest，ifyoudonotfetchCaptainLarolleatonceandadmitme，youwillfindtheconsequencesinconvenient。'
　　'Ho！ho！'hesaidwithasneer。'Youcancrow，itseems。
　　Well，comein。'
　　Theymadeway，andIwalkedintothehallkeepingmyhaton。Onthegreathearthafirehadbeenkindled，butithadgoneout。
　　Threeorfourcarbinesstoodagainstonewall，andbesidethemlayaheapofhaversacksandsomestraw。Ashatteredstool，brokeninafrolic，andhalfadozenemptywine-skinsstrewedthefloor，andhelpedtogivetheplaceanairofuntidinessanddisorder。Ilookedroundwitheyesofdisgust，andmygorgerose。Theyhadspilledoil，andtheplacereekedfoully。
　　'VENTREBLEU！'Isaid。'Isthisconductinagentleman'shouse，yourascals？MAVIE！IfIhadyouIwouldsendhalfofyoutothewoodenhorse！'
　　Theygazedatmeopen-mouthed；myarrogancestartledthem。Thesergeantalonescowled。Whenhecouldfindhisvoiceforrage——
　　'Thisway！'hesaid。'Wedidnotknowthatageneralofficerwascoming，orwewouldhavebeenbetterprepared！'Andmutteringoathsunderhisbreath，heledmedownthewell-knownpassage。Atthedooroftheparlourhestopped。'Introduceyourself！'hesaidrudely。'Andifyoufindtheairwarm，don'tblameme！'
　　Iraisedthelatchandwentin。Atatableinfrontofthehearth，halfcoveredwithglassesandbottles，sattwomenplayinghazard。ThedicerangsharplyasIentered，andhewhohadjustthrownkepttheboxoverthemwhileheturned，scowling，toseewhocamein。Hewasafair-haired，blondeman，large-
　　framedandflorid。Hehadputoffhiscuirassandboots，andhisdoubletshowedfrayedandstainedwherethearmourhadpressedonit。Otherwisehewasintheextremeoflastyear'sfashion。Hisdeepcravat，foldedoversothatthelacedendsdroopedalittleinfront，wasofthefinest；hisgreatsashofblueandsilverwasafootwide。Hehadalittlejewelinoneear，andhistinybeardwaspeakedAL'ESPAGNOLE。Probablywhenheturnedheexpectedtoseethesergeant，foratthesightofmeheroseslowly，leavingthedicestillcovered。
　　'Whatfollyisthis？'hecried，wrathfully。Here，sergeant！
　　Sergeant！——withoutthere！Whatthe——！Whoareyou，sir？'
　　'CaptainLarolle，'Isaiduncoveringpolitely，'Ibelieve？'
　　'Yes，IamCaptainLarolle，'heretorted。'Butwho，inthefiend'sname，areyou？'Youarenotthemanweareafter！'
　　'IamnotM。Cocheforet，'Isaidcoolly。'Iammerelyaguestinthehouse，M。leCapitaine。IhavebeenenjoyingMadamedeCocheforet'shospitalityforsometime，butbyanevilchanceI
　　wasawaywhenyouarrived。'AndwiththatIwalkedtothehearth，and，gentlypushingasidehisgreatbootswhichstoodtheredrying，Ikickedthelogsintoablaze。
　　'MILLEDIABLES！'hewhispered。AndneverdidIseeamanmoreconfounded。ButIaffectedtobetakenupwithhiscompanion，asturdy，white-moustachioedoldveteran，whosatbackinhischair，eyeingmewithswollencheeksandeyessurchargedwithsurprise。
　　'Goodevening，M。leLieutenant，'Isaid，bowinggravely。'Itisafinenight。'
　　Thenthestormburst。
　　'Finenight！'theCaptainshrieked，findinghisvoiceatlast。
　　'MILLEDIABLES！Areyouaware，sir，thatIaminpossessionofthishouse，andthatnooneharboursherewithoutmypermission？
　　Guest？Hospitality？Bundleoffiddle-faddle！Lieutenant，calltheguard！Calltheguard！'hecontinuedpassionately。'Whereisthatapeofasergeant？'
　　TheLieutenantrosetoobey，butIliftedmyhand。
　　'Gently，gently，Captain，'Isaid。'Notsofast。Youseemsurprisedtoseemehere。Believeme，Iammuchmoresurprisedtoseeyou。'
　　'SACRE！'hecried，recoilingatthisfreshimpertinence，whiletheLieutenant'seyesalmostjumpedoutofhishead。
　　Butnothingmovedme。
　　'Isthedoorclosed？'Isaidsweetly。'Thankyou；itis，Isee。
　　Thenpermitmetosayagain，gentlemen，thatIammuchmoresurprisedtoseeyouthanyoucanbetoseeme。ForwhenMonseigneurtheCardinalhonouredmebysendingmefromParistoconductthismatter，hegavemethefullest——thefullestpowers，M。leCapitaine——toseetheaffairtoanend。IwasnotledtoexpectthatmyplanswouldbespoiledontheeveofsuccessbytheintrusionofhalfthegarrisonfromAuch。'
　　'Oh，ho！'theCaptainsaidsoftly——inaverydifferenttone，andwithaverydifferentface。'SoyouarethegentlemanIheardofatAuch？'
　　'Verylikely，'Isaiddrily。'ButIamfromParis，notfromAuch。'
　　'Tobesure，'heansweredthoughtfully。'Eh，Lieutenant？'
　　'Yes，M。leCapitaine，nodoubt，'theinferiorreplied。Andtheybothlookedatoneanother，andthenatme，inawayIdidnotunderstand。
　　'Ithink，'saidI，toclinchthematter，'thatyouhavemadeamistake，Captain；ortheCommandanthas。AnditoccurstomethattheCardinalwillnotbebestpleased。'
　　'IholdtheKing'scommission，'heansweredratherstiffly。
　　'Tobesure，'Ireplied。'But，yousee，theCardinal——'
　　'Ay，buttheCardinal——'herejoinedquickly；andthenhestoppedandshruggedhisshoulders。Andtheybothlookedatme。
　　'Well？'Isaid。
　　'TheKing，'heansweredslowly。
　　'Tut-tut！'Iexclaimed，spreadingoutmyhands。'TheCardinal。
　　Letussticktohim。Youweresaying？'
　　'Well，theCardinal，yousee——'Andthenagain，afterthesamewords，hestopped——stoppedabruptly，andshruggedhisshoulders。
　　Ibegantosuspectsomething。
　　'IfyouhaveanythingtosayagainstMonseigneur，'Ianswered，watchinghimnarrowly，'sayit。Buttakeawordofadvice。
　　Don'tletitgobeyondthedoorofthisroom，myfriend，anditwilldoyounoharm。'
　　'Neitherherenoroutside，'heretorted，lookingforamomentathiscomrade。'OnlyIholdtheKing'scommission。Thatisall，and，Ithink，enough。'
　　'Well——fortherest，willyouthrowamain？'heansweredevasively。'Good！Lieutenant，findaglass，andthegentlemanaseat。Andhere，formypart，IwillgiveyouatoastTheCardinal——whateverbetide！'
　　Idrankit，andsatdowntoplaywithhim；Ihadnotheardthemusicofthediceforamonth，andthetemptationwasirresistible。ButIwasnotsatisfied。Icalledthemainsandwonhiscrowns——hewasamerebabyatthegame——buthalfmymindwaselsewhere。TherewassomethingherethatIdidnotunderstand；someinfluenceatworkonwhichIhadnotcounted；
　　somethingmovingunderthesurfaceasunintelligibletomeasthesoldiers'presence。HadtheCaptainrepudiatedmycommissionaltogether，andputmetothedoororsentmetotheguard-house，Icouldhavefollowedthat。Butthesedubioushints，thispassiveresistance，puzzledme。HadtheynewsfromParis，I
　　wondered？WastheKingdead？OrtheCardinalill？Iaskedthem，buttheysaidno，no，notoall，andgavemeguardedanswers。Andmidnightfoundusstillplaying；andstillfencing。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　THEQUESTION
　　Sweeptheroom，Monsieur？Andremovethismedley？ButM。leCapitaine——'
　　'TheCaptainisinthevillage，'IrepliedSternly。'Anddoyoumove。Move，man，andthethingwillbedonewhileyouaretalkingaboutit。Setthedoorintothegardenopen——so。'
　　'Certainly，itisafinemorning。AndthetobaccoofM。leLieutenant——ButM。leCapitainedidnot——'
　　'Giveorders？Well，Igivethem，'Ianswered。'Firstofall，removethesebeds。Andbustle，man，bustle，orIwillfindsomethingtoquickenyou！'
　　Inamoment——'AndM。leCapitaine'sriding-boots？'
　　'Placetheminthepassage，'Ireplied。
　　'Oh！inthepassage？'Hepaused，lookingatthemindoubt。
　　'Yes，booby；inthepassage。'
　　'Andthecloaks，Monsieur？'
　　'Thereisabushhandyoutsidethewindow。Letthemair。'
　　'Ohe，thebush？Well，tobesuretheyaredamp。But——yes，yes，Monsieur，itisdone。Andthebolsters？'
　　'Therealso，'Isaidharshly。'Throwthemout。Faugh！Theplacereeksofleather。Now，acleanhearth。Andsetthetablebeforetheopendoor，sothatwemayseethegarden——so。Andtellthecookthatwedineateleven，andthatMadameandMademoisellewilldescend。'
　　'Ohe！ButM。leCapitaineorderedthedinnerforhalf-pasteleven。'
　　'Itmustbeadvanced，then；and，markyou，myfriend，ifitisnotreadywhenMadamecomesdown，youwillsuffer，andthecooktoo。'
　　Whenhewasgoneonhiserrand，Ilookedround。Whatelsewaslacking？Thesunshonecheerilyonthepolishedfloor；theair，freshenedbytherainwhichhadfalleninthenight，enteredfreelythroughtheopendoorway。Afewbeeslingeringwiththesummerhummedoutside。Thefirecrackledbravely；anoldhound，blindandpastwork，laywarmingitshideonthehearth。Icouldthinkofnothingmore，andIstoodandstoodandwatchedthemansetoutthetableandspreadthecloth。
　　'Forhowmany，Monsieur？'heaskedinascaredtone。
　　'Forfive，'Ianswered；andIcouldnothelpsmilingatmyself。
　　ForwhatwouldZaton'ssaycoulditseeBeraultturnedhousewife？
　　Therewasawhiteglazedcup，anold-fashionedpieceofthesecondHenry'stime，standingonashelf。Itookitdownandputsomelateflowersinit，andsetitinthemiddleofthetable，andstoodoffmyselftolookatit。Butamomentlater，thinkingIheardthemcoming，Ihurrieditawayinakindofpanic，feelingonasuddenashamedofthething。Thealarmprovedtobefalse，however；andthenagain，takinganotherturn，Isetthepieceback。Ihaddonenothingsofoolishfor——formoreyearsthanIliketocount。
　　ButwhenMadameandMademoisellecamedown，theyhadeyesneitherfortheflowersnortheroom。TheyhadheardthattheCaptainwasoutbeatingthevillageandthewoodsforthefugitive，andwhereIhadlookedforacomedyIfoundatragedy。Madame'sfacewassoredwithweepingthatallherbeautywasgone。Shestartedandshookattheslightestsound，and，unabletofindanywordstoanswermygreeting，couldonlysinkintoachairandsitcryingsilently。
　　Mademoisellewasinamoodscarcelymorecheerful。Shedidnotweep，buthermannerwashardandfierce。Shespokeabsently，andansweredfretfully。Hereyesglittered，andshehadtheairofstrainingherearscontinuallytocatchsomedreadedsound。
　　'Thereisnonews，Monsieur？'shesaidasshetookherseat。
　　Andsheshotaswiftlookatme。
　　'None，Mademoiselle。'
　　'Theyaresearchingthevillage？'
　　'Ibelieveso。'
　　'WhereisClon？'Thisinalowervoice，andwithakindofshrinkinginherface。
　　Ishookmyhead。'Ibelievethattheyhavehimconfinedsomewhere。AndLouis，too，'Isaid。'ButIhavenotseeneitherofthem。'
　　'Andwhereare——Ithoughtthesepeoplewouldbehere，'shemuttered。Andsheglancedaskanceatthetwovacantplaces。Theservanthadbroughtinthemeal。
　　'Theywillbeherepresently，'Isaidcoolly。Letusmakethemostofthetime。AlittlewineandfoodwilldoMadamegood。'
　　Shesmiledrathersadly。
　　'Ithinkthatwehavechangedplaces，'shesaid。'Andthatyouhaveturnedhostandweguests。'
　　'Letitbeso，'Isaidcheerfully。'Irecommendsomeofthisragout。Come，Mademoiselle，fastingcanaidnoone。Afullmealhassavedmanyaman'slife。'
　　Itwasclumsilysaid，perhaps；forsheshudderedandlookedatmewithaghastlysmile。Butshepersuadedhersistertotakesomething；andshetooksomethingonherownplateandraisedherforktoherlips。Butinamomentshelaiditdownagain。
　　'Icannot，'shemurmured。'Icannotswallow。Oh，myGod，atthismomenttheymaybetakinghim。'
　　Ithoughtthatshewasabouttoburstintoapassionoftears，andIrepentedthatIhadinducedhertodescend。Butherself-
　　controlwasnotyetexhausted。Byaneffort，painfultosee，sherecoveredhercomposure。Shetookupherfork，andateafewmouthfuls。Thenshelookedatmewithafierceunder-look。
　　'IwanttoseeClon，'shewhisperedfeverishly。Themanwhowaitedonushadlefttheroom。
　　'Heknows？'Isaid。
　　Shenodded，herbeautifulfacestrangelydisfigured。Herclosedteethshowedbetweenherlips。Tworedspotsburnedinherwhitecheeks，andshebreathedquickly。Ifelt，asIlookedather，asuddenpainatmyheart，andashudderingfear，suchasaman，awakingtofindhimselffallingoveraprecipice，mightfeel。
　　Howthesewomenlovedtheman！
　　ForamomentIcouldnotspeak。WhenIfoundmyvoiceitsoundeddryandhusky。
　　'Heisasafeconfidant，'Imuttered。'Hecanneitherreadnorwrite，Mademoiselle。'
　　'No，but——'andthenherfacebecamefixed。'Theyarecoming，'
　　shewhispered。'Hush！'Sherosestiffly，andstoodsupportingherselfbythetable。'Havethey——havethey——foundhim？'shemuttered。Thewomanbyhersidewepton，unconsciousofwhatwasimpending。
　　IheardtheCaptainstumblefardownthepassage，andswearloudly；andItouchedMademoiselle'shand。
　　'Theyhavenot！'Iwhispered。'Alliswell，Mademoiselle。
　　Pray，praycalmyourself。Sitdownandmeetthemasifnothingwerethematter。Andyoursister！Madame，Madame，'Icried，almostharshly，'composeyourself。Rememberthatyouhaveaparttoplay。'
　　Myappealdidsomething。Madamestifledhersobs。Mademoiselledrewadeepbreathandsatdown；andthoughshewasstillpaleandstilltrembled，theworstwaspast。
　　Andonlyjustintime。Thedoorflewopenwithacrash。TheCaptainstumbledintotheroom，swearingafresh。
　　'SACRENOMDUDIABLE！'hecried，hisfacecrimsonwithrage。
　　'Whatfoolplacedthesethingshere？Myboots？My——'
　　Hisjawfell。Hestoppedontheword，strickensilentbythenewaspectoftheroom，bythesightofthelittlepartyatthetable，byallthechangesIhadworked。
　　'SAINTSIEGE！'hemuttered。'Whatisthis？'TheLieutenant'sgrizzledfacepeeringoverhisshouldercompletedthepicture。
　　'Youareratherlate，M。leCapitaine，'Isaidcheerfully。
　　'Madame'shouriseleven。But，comehereareyourseatswaitingforyou。'
　　'MILLETONNERRES！'hemuttered，advancingintotheroom，andglaringatus。
　　'Iamafraidthattheragoutiscold，'Icontinued，peeringintothedishandaffectingtoseenothing。'Thesoup，however，hasbeenkepthotbythefire。ButIthinkthatyoudonotseeMadame。'
　　Heopenedhismouthtoswear，butforthemomenthethoughtbetterofit。
　　'Who——whoputmybootsinthepassage？'heasked，hisvoicethickwithrage。Hedidnotbowtotheladies，ortakeanynoticeoftheirpresence。
　　'Oneofthemen，Isuppose，'Isaidindifferently。'Isanythingmissing？'
　　Heglaredatme。Thenhiscloak，spreadoutside，caughthiseye。
　　Hestrodethroughthedoor，sawhisholsterslyingonthegrass，andotherthingsstrewnabout。Hecameback。
　　'Whosemonkeygameisthis？'hesnarled，andhisfacewasveryugly。'Whoisatthebottomofthis？Speak，sir，orI——'
　　'Tut-tut，——theladies！'Isaid。'Youforgetyourself，Monsieur。'
　　'Forgetmyself？'hehissed，andthistimehedidnotcheckhisoath。'Don'ttalktomeoftheladies！Madame？Bah！Doyouthink，fool，thatweareputintorebel'shousestohowandsmileandtakedancinglessons？'
　　'Inthiscasealessoninpolitenessweremoretothepoint，Monsieur，'Isaidsternly。AndIrose。
　　'Wasitbyyourordersthatthiswasdone？'heretorted，hisbrowblackwithpassion。Answer，willyou？'
　　'Itwas！'Irepliedoutright。
　　'Thentakethat！'hecried，dashinghishatviolentlyinmyface，'andcomeoutside。'
　　'Withpleasure，Monsieur，'Ianswered，bowing；'inonemoment。
　　Permitmetofindmysword。Ithinkthatitisinthepassage。'
　　Iwentthithertogetit。
　　WhenIreturned，Ifoundthatthetwomenwerewaitingformeinthegarden，whiletheladieshadrisenfromthetable，andwerestandingnearitwithblanchedfaces。
　　'Youhadbettertakeyoursisterupstairs，Mademoiselle，'Isaidgently，pausingamomentbesidethem。'Havenofear。Allwillbewell。'
　　Butwhatisit？'sheanswered，lookingtroubled。'Itwassosudden。Iam——Ididnotunderstand。Youquarrelledsoquickly。'
　　'Itisverysimple，'Ianswered，smiling。'M。leCapitaineinsultedyouyesterday；hewillpayforitto-day。Thatisall。
　　Or，notquiteall，'Icontinued，droppingmyvoiceandspeakinginadifferenttone。'Hisremovalmayhelpyou，Mademoiselle。
　　Doyouunderstand？Ithinkthattherewillbenomoresearchingto-day。'Sheutteredanexclamation，graspingmyarmandpeeringintomyface。
　　'Youwillkillhim？'shemuttered。
　　Inodded。
　　'Whynot？'Isaid。
　　Shecaughtherbreath，andstoodwithonehandclaspedtoherbosom，gazingatmewithpartedlips，thebloodmountingtoherchecks。Graduallytheflushmeltedintoafiercesmile。
　　'Yes，yes，whynot？'sherepeatedbetweenherteeth。'Whynot？'
　　Shehadherhandonmyarm，andIfeltherfingerstightenuntilIcouldhavewinced。'Whynot？Soyouplannedthis——forus，Monsieur？'
　　Inodded。
　　'Butcanyou？'
　　'Safely，'Isaid；then，mutteringtohertotakehersisterupstairs，Iturnedtowardsthegarden。Myfootwasalreadyonthethreshold，andIwascomposingmyfacetomeettheenemy，whenIheardamovementbehindme。Thenextmomentherhandwasonmyarm。
　　'Wait！Waitamoment！Comeback！'shepanted。Iturned。Thesmileandflushhadvanished；herfacewaspale。'No！'shesaidabruptly。'Iwaswrong！I，willnothaveit。Iwillhavenopartinit！Youplanneditlastnight，M。deBarthe。Itismurder。'
　　'Mademoiselle！'Iexclaimed，wondering。'Murder？Why？Itisaduel。'
　　'Itismurder，'sheansweredpersistently。'Youplanneditlastnight。Yousaidso。'
　　'ButIriskmyownlife，'Irepliedsharply。
　　'Nevertheless——Iwillhavenopartinit，'sheansweredmorefaintly。Shewastremblingwithagitation。Hereyesavoidedmine。
　　'Onmyshouldersbeitthen！'Irepliedstoutly。'Itistoolate，Mademoiselle，togoback。Theyarewaitingforme。Only，beforeIgo，letmebegofyoutoretire。'
　　AndIturnedfromher，andwentout，wonderingandthinking。
　　First，thatwomenwerestrangethings。Secondly——MURDER？MerelybecauseIhadplannedtheduelandprovokedthequarrel！NeverhadIheardanythingsopreposterous。Grantit，anddubeverymanwhokepthishonourwithhishandsaCain——andagoodmanybrandedfaceswouldbeseeninsomestreets。Ilaughedatthefancy，asIstrodedownthegardenwalk。
　　Andyet，perhaps，Iwasgoingtodoafoolishthing。TheLieutenantwouldstillbehere：ahard-bittenman，ofstifferstuffthanhisCaptain。Andthetroopers。Whatif，whenIhadkilledtheirleader，theymadetheplacetoohotforme，Monseigneur'scommissionnotwithstanding？Ishouldlooksilly，indeed，ifontheeveofsuccessIweredrivenfromtheplacebyaparcelofjack-boots。
　　IlikedthethoughtsolittlethatIhesitated。Yetitseemedtoolatetoretreat。TheCaptainandtheLieutenantwerewaitingformeinalittleopenspacefiftyyardsfromthehouse，whereanarrowerpathcrossedthebroadwalk，downwhichIhadfirstseenMademoiselleandhersisterpacing。TheCaptainhadremovedhisdoublet，andstoodinhisshirtleaningagainstthesundial，hisheadbareandhissinewythroatuncovered。Hehaddrawnhisrapierandstoodprickingthegroundimpatiently。Imarkedhisstrongandnervousframeandhissanguineair：andtwentyyearsearlierthesightmighthavedampedme。Butnothoughtofthekindenteredmyheadnow，andthoughIfeltwitheachmomentgreaterreluctancetoengage，doubtoftheissuehadnoplaceinmycalculations。
　　Imadereadyslowly，andwouldgladly，togaintime，havefoundsomefaultwiththeplace。Butthesunwassufficientlyhightogivenoadvantagetoeither。Thegroundwasgood，thespotwellchosen。Icouldfindnoexcusetoputofftheman，andIwasabouttosalutehimandfalltoworkwhenathoughtcrossedmymind。
　　'Onemoment！'Isaid。'SupposingIkillyou，M。leCapitaine，whatbecomesofyourerrandhere？'
　　'Don'ttroubleyourself；'heansweredwithasneerhehadmisreadmyslownessandhesitation。'Itwillnothappen，Monsieur。Andinanycasethethoughtneednotharassyou。IhaveaLieutenant。'
　　'Yes，butwhatofmymission？'Irepliedbluntly。'Ihavenolieutenant。'
　　'Youshouldhavethoughtofthatbeforeyouinterferedwithmyboots，'heretortedwithcontempt。
　　'True，'Isaidoverlookinghismanner。'Butbetterlatethannever。Iamnotsure，nowIthinkofit，thatmydutytoMonseigneurwillletmefight。'
　　'Youwillswallowtheblow？'hecried，spittingonthegroundoffensively。'DIABLE！'AndtheLieutenant，standingononesidewithhishandsbehindhimandhisshoulderssquared，laughedgrimly。
　　'Ihavenotmadeupmymind，'Iansweredirresolutely。
　　'Well，NOMDEDIEU！makeitup，'theCaptainreplied，withanuglysneer。Hetookaswaggeringstepthiswayandthat，playinghisweapon。'Iamafraid，Lieutenant，thattherewillbenosportto-day，'hecontinuedinaloudaside。'Ourcockhasbutachickenheart。'
　　'Well，Isaidcoolly，'Idonotknowwhattodo。Certainlyitisafineday，andafairpieceofground。Andthesunstandswell。
　　ButIhavenotmuchtogainbykillingyou，M。leCapitaine，anditmightgetmeintoanawkwardfix。Ontheotherhand，itwouldnothurtmetoletyougo。'
　　'Indeed！'hesaidcontemptuously，lookingatmeasIshouldlookatalackey。
　　'No！'Ireplied。'ForifyouweretosaythatyouhadstruckGildeBeraultandleftthegroundwithawholeskin，noonewouldbelieveyou。'
　　'GildeBerault！'heexclaimedfrowning。
　　'Yes，Monsieur，'Irepliedsuavely。'Atyourservice。Youdidnotknowmyname？'
　　'IthoughtthatyournamewasDeBarthe，'hesaid。Hisvoicesoundedqueerly；andhewaitedfortheanswerwithpartedlips，andashadowinhiseyeswhichIhadseeninmen'seyesbefore。
　　'No，'Isaid；'thatwasmymother'sname。Itookitforthisoccasiononly。'
　　Hisfloridcheeklostashadeofitscolour，andhebithislipsasheglancedattheLieutenant，troubleinhiseyes。Ihadseenthesesignsbefore，andknewthem，andImighthavecried'Chicken-heart！'inmyturn；butIhadnotmadeawayofescapeforhim——beforeIdeclaredmyself——fornothing，andIheldtomypurpose。
　　'Ithinkyouwillallownow，'Isaidgrimly，'thatitwillnotharmmeevenifIputupwithablow！'
　　'M。deBerault'scourageisknown，'hemuttered。
　　'Andwithreason，'Isaid。'Thatbeingsosupposethatwesaythisdaythreemonths，M。leCapitaine？Thepostponementtobeformyconvenience。'
　　HecaughttheLieutenant'seyeandlookeddownsullenly，theconflictinhismindasplainasdaylight。HehadonlytoinsistthatImustfight；andifbyluckorskillhecouldmastermehisfameasaduellistwouldrun，likearippleoverwater，througheverygarrisontowninFranceandmakehimanameeveninParis。
　　Ontheothersideweretheimminentperilofdeath，thegleamofcoldsteelalreadyinfancyathisbreast，thelossoflifeandsunshine，andthepossibilityofaretreatwithhonour，ifwithoutglory。Ireadhisface，andknewbeforehespokewhathewoulddo。
　　'Itappearstomethattheburdeniswithyou，'hesaidhuskily；
　　'butformypartIamsatisfied。'
　　'Verywell，'Isaid，'Itaketheburden。Permitmetoapologiseforhavingcausedyoutostripunnecessarily。Fortunatelythesunisshining。'
　　'Yes，'hesaidgloomily。Andhetookhisclothesfromthesundialandbegantoputthemon。Hehadexpressedhimselfsatisfied，butIknewthathewasfeelingveryill-satisfied，indeed，withhimself；andIwasnotsurprisedwhenhepresentlysaidabruptlyandalmostrudely，'ThereisonethingthatIthinkwemustsettlehere。'
　　'Yes？'Isaid。'Whatisthat？'
　　'Ourpositions，'heblurtedout，'Orweshallcrossoneanotheragainwithinthehour。'
　　'Umph！IamnotquitesurethatIunderstand，'Isaid。
　　'ThatispreciselywhatIdon'tdo——understand！'heretorted，inatoneofsurlytriumph。'BeforeIcameonthisduty，Iwastoldthattherewasagentlemanhere，bearingsealedordersfromtheCardinaltoarrestM。deCocheforet；andIwasinstructedtoavoidcollisionwithhimsofarasmightbepossible。AtfirstI
　　tookyouforthegentleman。ButtheplaguetakemeifI
　　understandthematternow。'
　　'Whynot？'Isaidcoldly。
　　'Because——well，thequestionisinanutshell！'heansweredimpetuously。'AreyouhereonbehalfofMadamedeCocheforet，toshieldherhusband？Orareyouheretoarresthim？ThatiswhatIdonotunderstand，M。deBerault。'
　　'Ifyoumean，amItheCardinal'sagent——Iam！'Iansweredsternly。
　　'ToarrestM。deCocheforet？'
　　'ToarrestM。deCocheforet。'
　　'Well——yousurpriseme，'hesaid。
　　Onlythat；buthespokesodrilythatIfeltthebloodrushtomyface。