Scarcelyawayfarerpassedbeneathme：sofew，indeed，thatI
　　hadnofearofbeingdetectedfrombelow。AndyetunlessIwasmistaken，afurtivestep，asubduedwhisperwerebornetomeoneverybreeze，fromeveryquarter。Andthenightwasfullofphantoms。
　　Perhapsallthiswasmerenervousness，theoutcomeofmyposition。AtanyrateIfeltnomoreofitwhenCroisettejoinedme。Wehadourdaggers，andthatgavemesomecomfort。Ifwecouldoncegainentrancetothehouseopposite，wehadonlytobeg，orinthelastresortforceourwaydownstairsandout，andthentohastenwithwhatspeedwemighttoPavannes’dwelling。
　　Clearlyitwasaquestionoftimeonlynow;whetherBezers’bandorweshouldfirstreachit。AndstruckbythisIwhisperedMarietobequick。Heseemedtobelongincoming。
　　Hescrambleddownhandoverhandatlast，andthenIsawthathehadnotlingeredabovefornothing。Hehadcontrivedaftergettingoutofthewindowtoletdowntheshutter。Andmorehehadatsomerisklengthenedourrope，andmadeadoublelineofit，sothatitranroundahingeoftheshutter;andwhenhestoodbesideus，hetookitbyoneendanddisengagedit。Good，cleverMarie！
　　"Bravo！"Isaidsoftly，clappinghimontheback。"Nowtheywillnotknowwhichwaythebirdshaveflown！"
　　Sothereweallwere，oneofus，Iconfess，trembling。Weslideasilyenoughalongthebeamtotheoppositehouse。Butoncethereinarowonebehindtheotherwithourfacestothewall，andthenightairblowingslantwise——wellIamnervousonaheightandIgasped。Thewindowwasagoodsixfeetabovethebeam，Thecasement——itwasunglazed——wasopen，veiledbyathincurtain，andalas！protectedbythreehorizontalbars——stoutbarstheylooked。
　　Yetwewereboundtogetup，andtogetin;andIwaspreparingtorisetomyfeetonthegiddybridgeasgingerlyasIcould，whenMariecrawledquicklyoverus，andswunghimselfuptothenarrowsill，muchasIshouldmountahorseonthelevel。Heheldouthisfoottome，andmakinganeffortIreachedthesamedizzyperch。Croisetteforthetimeremainedbelow。
　　Anarrowwindow—ledgesixtyfeetabovethepavement，andthreebarstoclingto！Icoweredtomyholdfasts，envyingevenCroisette。Mylegsdangledairily，andtheblackchasmofthestreetseemedtoyawnforme。ForamomentIturnedsick。I
　　recoveredfromthattofeeldesperate。Irememberedthatgoforwardwemust，barsornobars。Wecouldnotregainouroldprisonifwewould。
　　Itwasequallyclearthatwecouldnotgoforwardiftheinmatesshouldobject。OnthatnarrowperchevenMariewashelpless。
　　Thebarsofthewindowwereclosetogether。Awoman，achild，coulddisengageourhands，andthen——Iturnedsickagain。I
　　thoughtofthecruelstones。Igluedmyfacetothebars，andpushingasideacornerofthecurtain，lookedin。
　　Therewasonlyonepersonintheroom——awoman，whowasmovingaboutfullydressed，lateasitwas。Theroomwasamereattic，thecounterpartofthatwehadleft。Abox—bedwithacanopyroughlynailedoveritstoodinacorner。Acoupleofchairswerebythehearth，andallseemedtospeakofpovertyandbareness。Yetthewomanwhomwesawwasrichlydressed，thoughhersilksandvelvetsweredisordered。Isawajewelgleaminherhair，andothersonherhands。Whensheturnedherfacetowardsus——awild，beautifulface，perplexedandtear—stained——I
　　knewherinstantlyforagentlewoman，andwhenshewalkedhastilytothedoor，andlaidherhanduponit，andseemedtolisten——
　　whensheshookthelatchanddroppedherhandsindespairandwentbacktothehearth，ImadeanotherdiscoveryIknewatonce，seeingherthere，thatwewerelikelybuttochangeoneprisonforanother。WaseveryhouseinParisthenadungeon？Anddideachroofcoveritstragedy？
　　"Madame！"Isaid，speakingsoftly，toattractherattention。
　　"Madame！"
　　Shestartedviolently，notknowingwhencethesoundcame，andlookedround，atthedoorfirst。Thenshemovedtowardsthewindow，andwithanaffrightedgesturedrewthecurtainrapidlyaside。
　　Oureyesmet。Whatifshescreamedandarousedthehouse？What，indeed？"Madame，"Isaidagain，speakinghurriedly，andstrivingtoreassureherbythesoftnessofmyvoice，"weimploreyourhelp！Unlessyouassistuswearelost。"
　　"You！Whoareyou？"shecried，glaringatuswildly，herhandtoherhead。Andthenshemurmuredtoherself，"MonDieu！whatwillbecomeofme？"
　　"Wehavebeenimprisonedinthehouseopposite，"Ihastenedtoexplain，disjointedlyIamafraid。"Andwehaveescaped。Wecannotgetbackifwewould。Unlessyouletusenteryourroomandgiveusshelter——"
　　"Weshallbedashedtopiecesonthepavement，"suppliedMarie，withperfectcalmness——nay，withapparentenjoyment。
　　"Letyouinhere？"sheanswered，startingbackinnewterror;
　　"itisimpossible。"
　　Sheremindedmeofourcousin，being，likeherpaleanddark—
　　haired。Sheworeherhairinacoronet，disorderednow。Butthoughshewasstillbeautiful，shewasolderthanKit，andlackedherpliantgrace。Isawallthis，andjudginghernature，Ispokeoutofmydespair。"Madame，"Isaidpiteously，"weareonlyboys。Croisette！Comeup！"Squeezingmyselfstillmoretightlyintomycorneroftheledge，Imaderoomforhimbetweenus。"See，Madame，"Icried，craftily，"willyounothavepityonthreeboys？"
　　St。Crois’sboyishfaceandfairhairarrestedherattention，asIhadexpected。Herexpressiongrewsofter，andshemurmured，"Poorboy！"
　　Icaughtattheopportunity。"Wedobutseekapassagethroughyourroom，"Isaidfervently。Goodheavens，whathadwenotatstake！Whatifsheshouldremainobdurate？"Weareintrouble——indespair，"Ipanted。"So，Ibelieve，areyou。Wewillhelpyouifyouwillfirstsaveus。Weareboys，butwecanfightforyou。"
　　"WhomamItotrust？"sheexclaimed，withashudder。"Butheavenforbid，"shecontinued，hereyesonCroisette’sface，"that，wantinghelp，Ishouldrefusetogiveit。Comein，ifyouwill。"
　　Ipouredoutmythanks，andhadforcedmyheadbetweenthebars——atimminentriskofitsremainingthere——beforethewordswerewelloutofhermouth。Buttoenterwasnoeasytaskafterall。
　　Croisettedid，indeed，squeezethroughatlast，andthenbyforcepulledfirstoneandthentheotherofusafterhim。Butonlynecessityandthatchasmbehindcouldhavenervedus，Ithink，togothroughaprocesssopainful。WhenIstood，atlengthonthefloor，Iseemedtobeonegreatabrasionfromheadtofoot。Andbeforealady，too！
　　ButwhatajoyIfelt，nevertheless。AfigforBezersnow。Hehadcalledusboys;andwewereboys。Butheshouldyetfindthatwecouldthwarthim。Itcouldbescarcelyhalf—an—houraftermidnight;wemightstillbeintime。Istretchedmyselfandtrodtheleveldoorjubilantly，andthennoticed，whiledoingso，thatourhostesshadretreatedtothedoorandwaseyeingustimidly——half—scared。
　　Iadvancedtoherwithmylowestbow——sadlymissingmysword。
　　"Madame，"Isaid，"IamM。AnnedeCaylus，andthesearemybrothers。Andweareatyourservice。"
　　"AndI，"shereplied，smilingfaintly——Idonotknowwhy——"amMadamedePavannes，Igratefullyacceptyouroffersofservice。"
　　"DePavannes？"Iexclaimed，amazedandoverjoyed。MadamedePavannes！Why，shemustbeLouis’kinswoman！Nodoubtshecouldtelluswherehewaslodged，andsoridourtaskofhalfitsdifficulty。Couldanythinghavefallenoutmorehappily？"YouknowthenM。LouisdePavannes？"Icontinuedeagerly。
　　"Certainly，"sheanswered，smilingwitharareshysweetnessthistime。"Verywellindeed。Heismyhusband。"
　　CHAPTERV。
　　APRIESTANDAWOMAN。
　　"Heismyhusband！"
　　Thestatementwasmadeinthepurestinnocence;yetnever，asmaywellbeimagined，didwordsfallwithmorestunningforce。Notoneofusansweredor，Ibelieve，movedsomuchasalimboraneyelid。Weonlystared，wantingtimetotakeintheastonishingmeaningofthewords，andthenmoretimetothinkwhattheymeanttousinparticular。
　　LouisdePavannes’wife！LouisdePavannesmarried！Ifthestatementweretrue——andwecouldnotdoubt，lookinginherface，thatatleastshethoughtshewastellingthetruth——itmeantthatwehadbeenfooledindeed！Thatwehadhadthisjourneyfornothing，andrunthisriskforavillain。ItmeantthattheLouisdePavanneswhohadwonourboyishadmirationwasthemeanest，thevilestofcourt—gallants。ThatMademoiselledeCaylushadbeenhissportandplaything。AndthatweintryingtobebeforehandwithBezershadbeenstrivingtosaveascoundrelfromhisdue。Itmeantallthat，assoonaswegraspeditintheleast。
　　"Madame，"saidCroisettegravely，afterapausesoprolongedthathersmilefadedpitifullyfromherface，scaredbyourstrangelooks。"Yourhusbandhasbeensometimeawayfromyou？Heonlyreturned，Ithink，aweekortwoago？"
　　"Thatisso，"sheanswered，naively，andourlasthopevanished。
　　"Butwhatofthat？Hewasbackwithmeagain，andonlyyesterday——onlyyesterday！"shecontinued，claspingherhands，"weweresohappy。"
　　"Andnow，madame？"
　　Shelookedatme，notcomprehending。
　　"Imean，"Ihastenedtoexplain，"wedonotunderstandhowyoucometobehere。Andaprisoner。"Iwasreallythinkingthatherstorymightthrowsomelightuponours。
　　"Idonotknow，myself，"shesaid。"Yesterday，intheafternoon，IpaidavisittotheAbbessoftheUrsulines。"
　　"Pardonme，"Croisetteinterposedquickly，"butareyounotofthenewfaith？AHuguenot？"
　　"Oh，yes，"sheansweredeagerly。"ButtheAbbessisaverydearfriendofmine，andnobigot。Oh，nothingofthatkind，Iassureyou。WhenIaminParisIvisitheronceaweek。Yesterday，whenIlefther，shebeggedmetocallhereanddeliveramessage。"
　　"Then，"Isaid，"youknowthishouse？"
　　"Verywell，indeed，"shereplied。"Itisthesignofthe’HandandGlove，’onedooroutoftheRuePlatriere。IhavebeeninMasterMirepoix’sshopmorethanoncebefore。Icamehereyesterdaytodeliverthemessage，leavingmymaidinthestreet，andIwasaskedtocomeupstairs，andstillupuntilIreachedthisroom。Askedtowaitamoment，IbegantothinkitstrangethatIshouldbebroughttosowretchedaplace，whenIhadmerelyamessageforMirepoix’searaboutsomegauntlets。I
　　triedthedoor;Ifounditlocked。ThenIwasterrified，andmadeanoise。"
　　Weallnodded。Wewerebusybuildinguptheories——oritmightbeoneandthesametheory——toexplainthis。"Yes，"Isaid，eagerly。
　　"Mirepoixcametomethen。’Whatdoesthismean？’Idemanded。
　　Helookedashamedofhimself，buthebarredmyway。’Onlythis，’
　　hesaidatlast，’thatyourladyshipmustremainhereafewhours——twodaysatmost。Noharmwhateverisintendedtoyou。
　　Mywifewillwaituponyou，andwhenyouleaveus，allshallbeexplained。’Hewouldsaynomore，anditwasinvainIaskedhimifhedidnottakemeforsomeoneelse;ifhethoughtIwasmad。
　　Toallheanswered，No。AndwhenIdaredhimtodetainmehethreatenedforce。ThenIsuccumbed。Ihavebeenheresince，suspectingIknownotwhat，butfearingeverything。"
　　"Thatisended，madame，"Ianswered，myhandonmybreast，mysoulinarmsforher。Here，unlessIwasmistaken，wasonemoreunhappyandmoredeeplywrongedeventhanKit;onetoowhoowedhermiserytothesamevillain。"Werethereninegloversonthestairs，"Ideclaredroundly，"wewouldtakeyououtandtakeyouhome！Whereareyourhusband’sapartments？"
　　"IntheRuedeSaintMerri，closetothechurch。Wehaveahousethere。"
　　"M。dePavannes，"Isuggestedcunningly，"isdoubtlessdistractedbyyourdisappearance。"
　　"Oh，surely，"sheansweredwithearnestsimplicity，whilethetearssprangtohereyes。Herinnocence——shehadnotthegermofasuspicion——mademegrindmyteethwithwrath。Oh，thebasewretch！Themiserablerascal！Whatdidthewomensee，I
　　wondered——whathadweallseeninthisman，thisPavannes，thatwonforhimourhearts，whenhehadonlyastonetogiveinreturn？
　　IdrewCroisetteandMarieaside，apparentlytoconsiderhowwemightforcethedoor。"Whatisthemeaningofthis？"Isaidsoftly，glancingattheunfortunatelady。"Whatdoyouthink，Croisette？"
　　Iknewwellwhattheanswerwouldbe。
　　"Think！"hecriedwithfieryimpatience。"WhatcananyonethinkexceptthatthatvillainPavanneshashimselfplannedhiswife’sabduction？Ofcourseitisso！HiswifeoutofthewayheisfreetofollowuphisintriguesatCaylus。HemaythenmarryKitor——Cursehim！"
　　"No，"Isaidsternly，"cursingisnogood。Wemustdosomethingmore。Andyet——wehavepromisedKit，yousee，thatwewouldsavehim——wemustkeepourword。WemustsavehimfromBezersatleast。"
　　Mariegroaned。
　　ButCroisettetookupthethoughtwithardour。"FromBezers？"
　　hecried，hisfaceaglow。"Ay，true！Sowemust！Butthenwewilldrawlots，whoshallfighthimandkillhim。"
　　Iextinguishedhimbyalook。"Weshallfighthiminturn，"I
　　said，"untiloneofuskillhim。Thereyouareright。Butyourturncomeslast。Lotsindeed！Wehavenoneedoflotstolearnwhichistheeldest。"
　　Iwasturningfromhim——havingveryproperlycrushedhim——tolookforsomethingwhichwecouldusetoforcethedoor，whenhehelduphishandtoarrestmyattention。Welistened，lookingatoneanother。Throughthewindowcameunmistakeablesoundsofvoices。
　　"Theyhavediscoveredourflight，"Isaid，myheartsinking。
　　Luckilywehadhadtheforethoughttodrawthecurtainacrossthecasement。Bezers’peoplecouldtherefore，fromtheirwindow，seenomorethanours，dimlylightedandindistinct。Yettheywouldnodoubtguessthewaywehadescaped，andhastentocutoffourretreatbelow。ForamomentIlookedatthedoorofourroom，half—mindedtoattackit，andfightourwayout，takingthechanceofreachingthestreetbeforeBezers’folkshouldhaverecoveredfromtheirsurpriseandgonedown。ButthenIlookedatMadame。Howcouldweensurehersafetyinthestruggle？
　　WhileIhesitatedthechoicewastakenfromus。Weheardvoicesinthehousebelow，andheavyfeetonthestairs。
　　Wewerebetweentwofires。Iglancedirresolutelyroundthebaregarret，withitsslopingroof，searchingforabetterweapon。I
　　hadonlymydagger。Butinvain。Isawnothingthatwouldserve。"Whatwillyoudo？"MadamedePavannesmurmured，standingpaleandtremblingbythehearth，andlookingfromonetoanother。CroisettepluckedmysleevebeforeIcouldanswer，andpointedtothebox—bedwithitsscantycurtains。"Iftheyseeusintheroom，"heurgedsoftly，"whiletheyarehalfinandhalfout，theywillgivethealarm。Letushideourselvesyonder。Whentheyareinside——youunderstand？"
　　Helaidhishandonhisdagger。Themusclesofthelad’sfacegrewtense。Ididunderstandhim。"Madame，"Isaidquickly，"youwillnotbetrayus？"
　　Sheshookherhead。Thecolourreturnedtohercheek，andthebrightnesstohereyes。Shewasatruewoman。Thesensethatshewasprotectingothersdeprivedheroffearforherself。
　　Thefootstepswereonthetopmoststairnow，andakeywasthrustwitharaspingsoundintothelock。Butbeforeitcouldbeturned——itfortunatelyfittedill——wethreehadjumpedonthebedandwerecrouchinginarowattheheadofit，wherethecurtainsofthealcoveconcealed，andonlyjustconcealedus，fromanyonestandingattheendoftheroomnearthedoor。
　　Iwastheoutermost，andthroughachinkcouldseewhatpassed。
　　One，two，threepeoplecamein，andthedoorwasclosedbehindthem。Threepeople，andoneofthemawoman！Myheart——whichhadbeeninmymouth——returnedtoitsplace，fortheVidamewasnotone。Ibreathedfreely;onlyIdarednotcommunicatemyrelieftotheothers，lestmyvoiceshouldbeheard。Thefirsttocomeinwasthewomancloselycloakedandhooded。MadamedePavannescastonherasingledoubtfulglance，andthentomyastonishmentthrewherselfintoherarms，minglinghersobswithlittlejoyouscriesof"Oh，Diane！oh，Diane！"
　　"Mypoorlittleone！"thenewcomerexclaimed，soothingherwithtendertouchesonhairandshoulder。"Youaresafenow。Quitesafe！"
　　"Youhavecometotakemeaway？"
　　"Ofcoursewehave！"Dianeansweredcheerfully，stillcaressingher。"Wehavecometotakeyoutoyourhusband。Hehasbeensearchingforyoueverywhere。Heisdistractedwithgrief，littleone。"
　　"PoorLouis！"ejaculatedthewife。
　　"PoorLouis，indeed！"therescueranswered。"Butyouwillseehimsoon。Weonlylearnedatmidnightwhereyouwere。YouhavetothankM。leCoadjuteurhereforthat。Hebroughtmethenews，andatonceescortedmeheretofetchyou。"
　　"Andtorestoreonesistertoanother，"saidthepriestsilkily，asheadvancedastep。HewastheverysamepriestwhomIhadseentwohoursbeforewithBezers，andhadsogreatlydisliked！
　　IhatedhispalefaceasmuchnowasIhadthen。Eventheerrandofgoodonwhichhehadcomecouldnotblindmetohisthin—
　　lippedmouth，tohismockhumilityandcraftyeyes。"Ihavehadnotasksopleasantformanydays，"addedhe，witheveryappearanceofadesiretopropitiate。
　　But，seemingly，MadamedePavanneshadsomethingofthesamefeelingtowardshimwhichIhadmyself;forshestartedatthesoundofhisvoice，anddisengagingherselffromhersister’sarms——itseemeditwashersister——shrankbackfromthepair。
　　Shebowedindeedinacknowledgmentofhiswords。Buttherewaslittlegratitudeinthemovement，andlesswarmth。Isawthesister’sface——abrilliantlybeautifulfaceitwas——brightereyesandlipsandmorelovelyauburnhairIhaveneverseen——evenKitwouldhavebeenplainanddowdybesideher——Isawithardenstrangely。Amomentbefore，thetwohadbeeninoneanother’sarms。Nowtheystoodapart，somehowchilledanddisillusionised。
　　Theshadowofthepriesthadfallenuponthem——hadcomebetweenthem。
　　Atthiscrisisthefourthpersonpresentassertedhimself。
　　Hithertohehadstoodsilentjustwithinthedoor：aplainman，plainlydressed，somewhatoversixtyandgrey—haired。Helookeddisconcertedandembarrassed，andItookhimforMirepoix——
　　rightlyasitturnedout。
　　"Iamsure，"henowexclaimed，hisvoicetremblingwithanxiety，oritmightbewithfear，"yourladyshipwillregretleavinghere！Youwillindeed！Noharmwouldhavehappenedtoyou。
　　Madamed’Odoesnotknowwhatsheisdoing，orshewouldnottakeyouaway。Shedoesnotknowwhatsheisdoing！"herepeatedearnestly。
　　"Madamed’O！"criedthebeautifulDiane，herbrowneyesdartingfireattheunluckyculprit，hervoicefullofangrydisdain。
　　"Howdareyou——suchasyou——mentionmyname？Wretch！"
　　Sheflungthelastwordathim，andthepriesttookitup。"Ay，wretch！Wretchedmanindeed！"herepeatedslowly，stretchingouthislongthinhandandlayingitliketheclawofsomebirdofpreyonthetradesman’sshoulder，whichflinched，Isaw，underthetouch。"Howdareyou——suchasyou——meddlewithmattersofthenobility？Mattersthatdonotconcernyou？Trouble！Iseetroublehangingoverthishouse，Mirepoix！Muchtrouble！"
　　Themiserablefellowtrembledvisiblyunderthecovertthreat。
　　Hisfacegrewpale。Hislipsquivered。Heseemedfascinatedbythepriest’sgaze。"Iamafaithfulsonofthechurch，"hemuttered;buthisvoiceshooksothatthewordswerescarcelyaudible。"Iamknowntobesuch！NonebetterknowninParis，M。
　　leCoadjuteur。"
　　"Menareknownbytheirworks！"thepriestretorted。"Now，now，"hecontinued，abruptlyraisinghisvoice，andliftinghishandinakindofexaltation，realorfeigned，"istheappointedtime！Andnowisthedayofsalvation！andwoe，Mirepoix，woe！
　　woe！tothebackslider，andtohimthatputtethhishandtotheploughandlookethbackto—night！"
　　Thelaymancoweredandshrankbeforehisfiercedenunciation;
　　whileMadamedePavannesgazedfromonetotheotherasifherdislikeforthepriestweresogreatthatseeingthetwothusquarrelling，shealmostforgaveMirepoixhisoffence。"Mirepoixsaidhecouldexplain，"shemurmuredirresolutely。
　　TheCoadjutorfixedhisbalefuleyesonhim。"Mirepoix，"hesaidgrimly，"canexplainnothing！Nothing！Idarehimtoexplain！"
　　AndcertainlyMirepoixthuschallengedwassilent。"Come，"thepriestcontinuedperemptorily，turningtotheladywhohadenteredwithhim，"yoursistermustleavewithusatonce。Wehavenotimetolose。"
　　"Butwhatwhatdoesitmean！"MadamedePavannessaid，asthoughshehesitatedevennow。"Istheredangerstill？"
　　"Danger！"thepriestexclaimed，hisformseemingtoswell，andtheexaltationIhadbeforereadinhisvoiceandmanneragainassertingitself。"Iputmyselfatyourservice，Madame，anddangerdisappears！IamasGodto—nightwithpowersoflifeanddeath！Youdonotunderstandme？Presentlyyoushall。Butyouareready。Wewillgothen。Outoftheway，fellow！"hethundered，advancinguponthedoor。
　　ButMirepoix，whohadplacedhimselfwithhisbacktoit，tomyastonishmentdidnotgiveway。Hisfullbourgeoisfacewaspale;
　　yetpeepingthroughmychink，Ireadinitadesperateresolution。Andoddly——veryoddly，becauseIknewthat，inkeepingMadamedePavannesaprisoner，hemustbeinthewrong——I
　　sympathisedwithhim。Low—bredtrader，toolofPavannesthoughhewas，Isympathisedwithhim，whenhesaidfirmly：
　　"Sheshallnotgo！"
　　"Isaysheshall！"thepriestshrieked，losingallcontroloverhimself。"Fool！Madman！Youknownotwhatyoudo！"Asthewordspassedhislips，hemadeanadroitforwardmovement，surprisedtheother，clutchedhimbythearms，andwithastrengthIshouldneverhavethoughtlayinhismeagreframe，flunghimsomepacesintotheroom。"Fool！"hehissed，shakinghiscrookedfingersathiminmalignanttriumph。"ThereisnomaninParis，doyouhear——orwomaneither——shallthwartmeto—
　　night！"
　　"Isthatso？Indeed？"
　　Thewords，andthecold，cynicalvoice，werenotthoseofMirepoix;theycamefrombehind。Thepriestwheeledround，asifhehadbeenstabbedintheback。IclutchedCroisette，andarrestedthecrampedlimbIwasmovingundercoverofthenoise。
　　ThespeakerwasBezers！Hestoodintheopendoor—way，hisgreatformfillingitfromposttopost，theoldgibingsmileonhisface。Wehadbeensotakenup，actorsandaudiencealike，withthealtercation，thatnoonehadheardhimascendthestairs。Hestillworetheblackandsilversuit，butitwashalfhiddennowunderadarkridingcloakwhichjustdisclosedtheglitterofhisweapons。Hewasbootedandspurredandglovedasforajourney。
　　"Isthatso？"herepeatedmockingly，ashisgazerestedinturnoneachofthefour，andthentravelledsharplyroundtheroom。
　　"SoyouwillnotbethwartedbyanymaninParis，to—night，eh？
　　Haveyouconsidered，mydearCoadjutor，whatalargenumberofpeoplethereareinParis？Itwouldamusemeverygreatlynow——
　　andI’msureitwouldtheladiestoo，whomustpardonmyabruptentrance——toseeyouputtothetest;pittedagainst——shallwesaytheDukeofAnjou？OrM。deGuise，ourgreatman？OrtheAdmiral？SaytheAdmiralfoottofoot？"
　　Rageandfear——rageattheintrusion，fearoftheintruder——
　　struggledinthepriest’sface。"Howdoyoucomehere，andwhatdoyouwant？"heinquiredhoarsely。Iflooksandtonescouldkill，wethree，tremblingbehindourflimsyscreen，hadbeenfreedatthatmomentfromourenemy。
　　"Ihavecomeinsearchoftheyoungbirdswhosenecksyouwereforstretching，myfriend！"wasBezers’answer。"Theyhavevanished。Birdstheymustbe，forunlesstheyhavecomeintothishousebythatwindow，theyhaveflownawaywithwings。"
　　"Theyhavenotpassedthisway，"thepriestdeclaredstoutly，eageronlytogetridoftheotherandIblessedhimforthewords！"IhavebeenheresinceIleftyou。"
　　ButtheVidamewasnotonetoacceptanyman’sstatement。"Thankyou;IthinkIwillseeformyself，"heansweredcoolly。
　　"Madame，"hecontinued，speakingtoMadamedePavannesashepassedher，"permitme。"
　　Hedidnotlookather，orseeheremotion，orIthinkhemusthavedivinedourpresence。Andhappilytheothersdidnotsuspectherofknowingmorethantheydid。Hecrossedthefloorathisleisure，andsaunteredtothewindow，watchedbythemwithimpatience。Hedrewasidethecurtain，andtriedeachofthebars，andpeeredthroughtheopeningbothupanddown，Anoathandanexpressionofwonderescapedhim。Thebarswerestanding，andfirmandstrong;anditdidnotoccurtohimthatwecouldhavepassedbetweenthem。Iamafraidtosayhowfewinchestheywereapart。
　　Asheturned，hecastacasualglanceatthebed——atus;andhesitated。Hehadthecandleinhishand，havingtakenittothewindowthebettertoexaminethebars;anditobscuredhissight。
　　Hedidnotseeus。Thethreecrouchingforms，thestrainedwhitefaces，thestartingeyes，thatlurkedintheshadowofthecurtainescapedhim。Thewildbeatingofourheartsdidnotreachhisears。Anditwaswellforhimthatitwasso。IfhehadcomeuptothebedIthinkthatweshouldhavekilledhim，I
　　knowthatweshouldhavetried。Allthebloodinmehadgonetomyhead，andIsawhimthroughahaze——largerthanlife。TheexactspotnearthebuckleofhiscloakwhereIwouldstrikehim，downwardsandinwards，aninchabovethecollar—bone，——thisonlyIsawclearly。Icouldnothavemissedit。Butheturnedaway，hisfacedarkening，andwentbacktothegroupnearthedoor，andneverknewtheriskhehadrun。
　　CHAPTERVI。
　　MADAME’SFRIGHT。
　　Andwebreathedagain。Theagonyofsuspense，whichBezers’
　　pausehadcreated，passedaway。Butthenightalreadyseemedtousasaweekofnights。Anageofexperience，anaeonofadventurescutusoff——aswelayshakingbehindthecurtain——fromCaylusanditslife。Parishadproveditselfmoretreacherousthanwehadevenexpectedtofindit。Everythingandeveryoneshifted，andworeonefaceoneminute，andoneanother。WehadcometosavePavannes’lifeattheriskofourown;wefoundhimtobeavillain！HerewasMirepoixowninghimselfatreacherouswretch，aconspiratoragainstawoman;wesympathisedwithhim。
　　Thepriesthadcomeuponaworkofcharityandrescue;weloathedthesoundofhisvoice，andshrankfromhim，weknewnotwhy，seemingonlytoreadadarksecret，agloomythreatineachdoubtfulwordheuttered。Hewasthestrangestenigmaofall。
　　Whydidwefearhim？WhydidMadamedePavannes，whoapparentlyhadknownhimbefore，shudderatthetouchofhishand？Whydidhisshadowcomeevenbetweenherandhersister，andestrangethem？sothatfromthemomentPavannes’wifesawhimstandingbyDiane’sside，sheforgotthatthelatterhadcometosave，andlookedonherindoubtandsorrow，almostwithrepugnance。
　　WelefttheVidamegoingbacktothefireplace。Hestoopedtosetdownthecandlebythehearth。"Theyarenothere，"hesaid，ashestraightenedhimselfagain，andlookedcuriouslyathiscompanions。Hehadapparentlybeentoomuchtakenupwiththepursuittonoticethembefore。"Thatiscertain，soIhavethelesstimetolose，"hecontinued。"ButIwould——yes，mydearCoadjutor，IcertainlywouldliketoknowbeforeIgo，whatyouaredoinghere。Mirepoix——Mirepoixisanhonestman。IdidnotexpecttofindyouinHIShouse。Andtwoladies？Two！Fie，Coadjutor。Ha！Madamed’O，isit？Mydearlady，"hecontinued，addressingherinawhimsicaltone，"donotstartatthesoundofyourownname！Itwouldtakeahundredhoodstohideyoureyes，orbleachyourlipstothecommoncolour;Ishouldhaveknownyouatonce，hadIlookedatyou。Andyourcompanion？Pheugh！"
　　Hebrokeoff，whistlingsoftly。ItwasclearthatherecognisedMadamedePavannes，andrecognisedherwithastonishment。ThebedcreakedasIcranedmynecktoseewhatwouldfollow。Eventhepriestseemedtothinkthatsomeexplanationwasnecessary，forhedidnotwaittobequestioned。
　　"MadamedePavannes，"hesaidinadry，huskyvoice，andwithoutlookingup，"wasspiritedhitheryesterday;anddetainedagainstherwillbythisgoodman，whowillhavetoanswerforit。
　　Madamed’Odiscoveredherwhereabouts，andaskedmetoescortherherewithoutlossoftimetoenforcehersister’srelease。"
　　"Andherrestorationtoherdistractedhusband？"
　　"Justso，"thepriestassented，acquiringconfidence，Ithought。
　　"AndMadamedesirestogo？"
　　"Surely！Whynot？"
　　"Well，"theVidamedrawled，hismannersuchastobringthebloodtoMadamedePavannes’cheek，"itdependsonthepersonwho——touseyourphrase，M。leCoadjuteur——spiritedherhither。"
　　"Andthat，"Madameherselfretorted，raisingherhead，whilehervoicequiveredwithindignationandanger，"wastheAbbessoftheUrsulines。Yoursuspicionsarebase，worthyofyouandunworthyofme，M。leVidame！Diane！"shecontinuedsharply，takinghersister’sarm，andcastingadisdainfulglanceatBezers，"letusgo。Iwanttobewith，myhusband。Iamstifledinthisroom。"
　　"Wearegoing，littleone，"Dianemurmuredreassuringly。ButI
　　noticedthatthespeaker’sanimation，whichhadbeenasasoultoherbeautywhensheenteredtheroom，wasgone。AstrangestillnesswasitfearoftheVidame？hadtakenitsplace。
　　"TheAbbessoftheUrsulines？"Bezerscontinuedthoughtfully。
　　"SHEbroughtyouhere，didshe？"Therewassurprise，genuinesurprise，inhisvoice。"Agoodsoul，and，IthinkIhaveheard，afriendofyours。Umph！"
　　"Averydearfriend，"Madameansweredstiffly。"Now，Diane！"
　　"Adearfriend！Andshespiritedyouhitheryesterday！"
　　commentedtheVidame，withtheairofonesolvingananagram。
　　"AndMirepoixdetainedyou;respectableMirepoix，whoissaidtohaveawell—filledstockingunderhispallet，andstandswellwiththebourgeoisie。Heisintheplot。Thenataverylatehour，youraffectionatesister，andmygoodfriendtheCoadjutor，entertosaveyou。Fromwhat？"
　　Noonespoke。Thepriestlookeddown，hischeek。lividwithanger。
　　"Fromwhat？"Bezerscontinuedwithgrimplayfulness。"Thereisthemystery。FromtheclutchesofthisprofligateMirepoix，I
　　suppose。FromthedangerousMirepoix。Uponmyhonour，"withasuddenringofresolutioninhistone，"Ithinkyouaresaferhere;Ithinkyouhadbetterstaywhereyouare，Madame，untilmorning！AndriskMirepoix！"
　　"Oh，no！no！"Madamecriedvehemently。
　　"Oh，yes！yes！"hereplied。"Whatdoyousay，Coadjutor？Doyounotthinkso？"
　　Thepriestlookeddownsullenly。Hisvoiceshookashemurmuredinanswer，"Madamewillpleaseherself。Shehasacharacter，M。
　　leVidame。Butifsheprefertostayhere——well！"
　　"Oh，shehasacharacter，hasshe？"rejoinedthegiant，hiseyestwinklingwithevilmirth，"andsheshouldgohomewithyou，andmyoldfriendMadamed’O，tosaveit！Thatisit，isit？No，no，"hecontinuedwhenhehadhadhissilentlaughout，"MadamedePavanneswilldoverywellhere——verywellhereuntilmorning。
　　Wehaveworktodo。Come。Letusgoanddoit。"
　　"Doyoumeanit？"saidthepriest，startingandlookingupwithasubtlechallenge——almostathreat——inhistone。
　　"Yes，Ido。"
　　Theireyesmet：andseeingtheirlooks，Ichuckled，nudgingCroisette。Nofearoftheirdiscoveringusnow。Irecalledtheoldproverbwhichsaysthatwhenthievesfallout，honestmencomebytheirown，andspeculatedonthechanceofthepriestfreeingusonceforallfromM。deBezers。
　　Butthetwowereill—matched。TheVidamecouldhavetakenuptheotherwithonehandanddashedhisheadonthefloor。Anditdidnotendthere。Idoubtifincraftthepriestwashisequal。
　　BehindafrankbrutalityBezers——unlesshisreputationbeliedhim——concealedanItalianintellect。Underacynicalrecklessnessheveiledararecunningandaconstantsuspicion;
　　enjoyinginthatrespectacombinationofapparentlyoppositequalities，whichIhaveknownnoothermantopossessinanequaldegree，unlessitmightbehislatemajesty，HenrytheGreat。A
　　childwouldhavesuspectedthepriest;aveteranmighthavebeentakeninbytheVidame。
　　Andindeedthepriest’seyespresentlysank。"Ourbargainistogofornothing？"hemutteredsullenly。
　　"Iknowofnobargain，"quoththeVidame。"AndIhavenotimetolose，splittinghairshere。Setitdowntowhatyoulike。Sayitisawhimofmine，afad，acaprice。OnlyunderstandthatMadamedePavannesstays。Wego。And——"headdedthis，asasuddenthoughtseemedtostrikehim，"thoughIwouldnotwillinglyusecompulsiontoalady，IthinkMadamed’Ohadbettercometoo。"
　　"Youspeakmasterfully，"thepriestsaidwithasneer，forgettingthetonehehadhimselfusedafewminutesbeforetoMirepoix。
　　"Justso。Ihavefortyhorsemenovertheway，"wasthedryanswer。"forthemoment，Iammasterofthelegions，Coadjutor。"
　　"Thatistrue，"Madamed’Osaid;sosoftlythatIstarted。ShehadscarcelyspokensinceBezers’entrance。Asshespokenow，sheshookbackthehoodfromherfaceanddisclosedthechestnuthairclingingabouthertemples——deepblotsofcolourontheabnormalwhitenessofherskin，"Thatistrue，M。deBezers，"shesaid。"Youhavethelegions。Youhavethepower。Butyouwillnotuseit，Ithink，againstanoldfriend。YouwillnotdousthishurtwhenI——Butlisten。"
　　Hewouldnot。Intheverymiddleofherappealhecuthershort——brutethathewas！"NoMadame！"heburstoutviolently，disregardingthebeautifulface，thesupplicatingglance，thatmighthavemovedastone，"thatisjustwhatIwillnotdo。I
　　willnotlisten！Weknowoneanother。Isnotthatenough？"
　　Shelookedathimfixedly。Hereturnedhergaze，notsmilingnow，buteyeingherwithacuriouswatchfulness。
　　Andafteralongpausesheturnedfromhim。"Verywell，"shesaidsoftly，anddrewadeep，quiveringbreath，thesoundofwhichreachedus。"Thenletusgo。"Andwithout——strangestthingofall——bestowingawordorlookonhersister，whowasweepingbitterlyinachair，sheturnedtothedoorandledthewayout，ashrugofhershouldersthelastthingImarked。
　　Thepoorladyheardherdepartingstephowever，andsprangup。Itdawneduponherthatshewasbeingdeserted。
　　"Diane！Diane！"shecrieddistractedly——andIhadtoputmyhandonCroisettetokeephimquiet，therewassuchfearandpaininhertone——"Iwillgo！Iwillnotbeleftbehindinthisdreadfulplace！Doyouhear？Comebacktome，Diane！"
　　Itmademybloodrunwildly。ButDianedidnotcomeback。
　　Strange！AndBezerstoowasunmoved。Hestoodbetweenthepoorwomanandthedoor，andbyagesturebidMirepoixandthepriestpassoutbeforehim。"Madame，"hesaid——andhisvoice，sternandhardasever，expressednojotofcompassionforher，rathersuchanimpatientcontemptasapulingchildmightelicit——"youaresafehere。Andhereyouwillstop！Weepifyouplease，"headdedcynically，"youwillhavefewertearstoshedto—morrow。"
　　Hislastwords——theycertainlywereoddones——arrestedherattention。Shecheckedhersobs，beingfrightenedIthink，andlookedupathim。Perhapshehadspokenwiththisinview，forwhileshestillstoodatgaze，herhandspressedtoherbosom，heslippedquicklyoutandclosedthedoorbehindhim。Iheardamutteringforaninstantoutside，andthenthetrampoffeetdescendingthestairs。Theyweregone，andwewerestillundiscovered。
　　ForMadame，shehadcleanforgottenourpresence——ofthatIamsure——andthechanceofescapewemightafford。Onfindingherselfaloneshegazedashorttimeinalarmedsilenceatthedoor，andthenrantothewindowandpeeredout，stilltrembling，terrified，silent。Sosheremainedawhile。
　　ShehadnotnoticedthatBezersongoingouthadomittedtolockthedoorbehindhim。Ihad。ButIwasunwillingtomovehastily。SomeonemightreturntoseetoitbeforetheVidameleftthehouse。Andbesidesthedoorwasnotoverstrong，andiflockedwouldbenoobstacletothethreeofuswhenwehadonlyMirepoixtodealwith。SoIkepttheotherswheretheywerebyanudgeandapinch，andheldmybreathamoment，strainingmyearstocatchtheclosingofthedoorbelow。Ididnothearthat。
　　ButIdidcatchasoundthatotherwisemighthaveescapedme，butwhichnowrivetedmyeyestothedoorofourroom。Someoneinthesilence，whichfollowedthetramplingonthestairs，hadcautiouslylaidahandonthelatch。
　　Thelightintheroomwasdim。Mirepoixhadtakenoneofthecandleswithhim，andtheotherwantedsnuffing。Icouldnotseewhetherthelatchmoved;whetherornoitwasrising。Butwatchingintently，Imadeoutthatthedoorwasbeingopened——
　　slowly，noiselessly。Isawsomeoneenter——afurtiveglidingshadow。
　　ForamomentIfeltnervous——thenIrecognisedthedarkhoodedfigure。ItwasonlyMadamed’O。Bravewoman！ShehadevadedtheVidameandslippedbacktotherescue。Ha，ha！WewoulddefeattheVidameyet！Thingsweregoingbetter！
　　Butthensomethinginhermanner——asshestoodholdingthedoorandpeeringintotheroom——somethinginherbearingstartledandfrightenedme。Asshecameforwardhermovementsweresostealthythatherfootstepsmadenosound。Herdarkshadow，movingaheadofheracrossthefloor，wasnotmoresilentthanshe。Anundefineddesiretomakeanoise，togivethealarm，seizedme。
　　Half—wayacrosstheroomshestoppedtolisten，andlookedround，startledherself，Ithink，bythesilence。Shecouldnotseehersister，whosefigurewasblurredbytheoutlinesofthecurtain;
　　andnodoubtshewaspuzzledtothinkwhathadbecomeofher。
　　ThesuspensewhichIfelt，butdidnotunderstand，wassogreatthatatlastImoved，andthebedcreaked。
　　Inamomentherfacewasturnedourway，andsheglidedforwards，herfeaturesstillhiddenbythehoodofhercloak。Shewasclosetousnow，bendingoverus。Sheraisedherhandtoherhead——toshadehereyes，asshelookedmoreclosely，Isupposed，andIwaswonderingwhethershesawus——whethershetooktheshapelessnessintheshadowofthecurtainforhersister，orcouldnotmakeitout——Iwasthinkinghowwecouldbestappriseherofourpresencewithoutalarmingher——whenCroisettedashedmythoughtstothewinds！Croisette，withatremendouswhoopandacrash，boundedovermeontothefloor！
　　Sheutteredagaspingcry——acryofintense，awfulfear。Ihavethesoundinmyearsevennow。Withthatshestaggeredback，clutchingtheair。Iheardthemetallicclangandringofsomethingfallingonthefloor。Iheardanansweringcryofalarmfromthewindow;andthenMadamedePavannesranforwardandcaughtherinherarms。
　　Itwasstrangetofindtheroomlatelysosilentbecomeatoncealivewithwhisperingforms，aswecamehastilytolight。I
　　cursedCroisetteforhisfolly，andwasimmeasurablyangrywithhim，butIhadnotimetowastewordsonhimthen。Ihurriedtothedoortoguardit。Iopeneditahand’sbreadthandlistened。
　　Allwasquietbelow;thehousestill。Itookthekeyoutofthelockandputitinmypocketandwentback。MarieandCroisettewerestandingalittleapartfromMadamedePavannes，who，hangingoverhersister，wasbyturnsbathingherfaceandexplainingourpresence。
　　InaveryfewminutesMadamed’Oseemedtorecover，andsatup。
　　Thefirstshockofdeadlyterrorhadpassed，butshewasstillpale。Shestilltrembled，andshrankfrommeetingoureyes，thoughIsawher，whenourattentionwasapparentlydirectedelsewhere，glanceatoneandanotherofuswithastrangeintentness，ashudderingcuriosity。Nowonder，Ithought。Shemusthavehadaterriblefright——onethatmighthavekilledamoretimidwoman！
　　"Whatonearthdidyoudothatfor！"IaskedCroisettepresently，myangercertainlynotdecreasingthemoreIlookedatherbeautifulface。"Youmighthavekilledher！"
　　IncharityIsupposedhisnerveshadfailedhim，forhecouldnotevennowgivemeastraightforwardanswer。Hisonlyreplywas，"Letusgetaway！Letusgetawayfromthishorriblehouse！"
　　andthishekeptrepeatingwithashudderashemovedrestlesslytoandfro。
　　"Withallmyheart！"Ianswered，lookingathimwithsomecontempt。"Thatisexactlywhatwearegoingtodo！"
　　ButallthesamehiswordsremindedmeofsomethingwhichintheexcitementofthesceneIhadmomentarilyforgotten，andthatwasourduty。Pavannesmuststillbesaved，thoughnotforKit;
　　rathertoanswertousforhissins。Buthemustbesaved！Andnowthattheroadwasopen，everyminutelostwasreproachtous。
　　"Yes，"Iaddedroughly，mythoughtsturnedintoamoreruggedchannel，"youareright。Thisisnotimefornursing。Wemustbegoing。MadamedePavannes，"Iwenton，addressingmyselftoher，"youknowthewayhomefromhere——toyourhouse！""Oh，yes，"shecried。
　　"Thatiswell，"Ianswered。"Thenwewillstart。Yoursisterissufficientlyrecoverednow，Ithink。Andwewillnotriskanyfurtherdelay。"
　　Ididnottellherofherhusband’sdanger，orthatwesuspectedhimofwrongingher，andbeinginfactthecauseofherdetention。Iwantedherservicesasaguide。Thatwasthemainpoint，thoughIwasgladtobeabletoputherinaplaceofsafetyatthesametimethatwefulfilledourownmission。
　　Sheroseeagerly。"Youaresurethatwecangetout？"shesaid。
　　"Sure，"IrepliedwithabrevityworthyofBezershimself。
　　AndIwasright。Wetroopeddownstairs，makingaslittlenoiseaspossible;withtheresultthatMirepoixonlytookthealarm，andcameuponuswhenwewereattheouterdoor，bunglingwiththelock。ThenImadeshortworkofhim，checkinghisscaredwordsofremonstrancebyflashingmydaggerbeforehiseyes。I
　　inducedhiminthesamefashion——hewasfairlytakenbysurprise——toundothefasteningshimself;andso，biddinghimfollowusathisperil，weslippedoutonebyone。Wesoftlyclosedthedoorbehindus。Andlo！wewereatlastfree——freeandinthestreetsofParis，withthecoolnightairfanningourbrows。A
　　churchhardbytolledthehouroftwo;andthestrokeswereechoed，beforewehadgonemanystepsalongtheill—pavedway，bythesolemntonesofthebellofNotreDame。
　　Wewerefreeandinthestreets，withaguidewhoknewtheway。
　　IfBezershadnotgonestraightfromustohisvengeance，wemightthwarthimyet。Istrodealongquickly，Madamed’Obymysidetheothersalittlewayinfront。Hereandthereanoil—
　　lamp，swingingfromapulleyinthemiddleoftheroad，enabledustoavoidsomeobstaclemorefoulthanusual，ortoleapoverapoolwhichhadformedinthekennel。Eveninmyexcitement，mycountry—bredsensesrebelledagainstthesights，andsmells，thenoisomeairandoppressiveclosenessofthestreets。
　　Thetownwasquiet，andverydarkwherethesmokylampswerenothanging。YetIwonderedifiteverslept，formorethanoncewehadtostandasidetogivepassagetoapartyofmen，hurryingalongwithlinksandarms。Severaltimestoo，especiallytowardstheendofourwalk，Iwassurprisedbytheflashingofbrightlightsinacourtyard，thedoorofwhichstoodhalfopentorightorleft。OnceIsawtheglowoftorchesreflectedruddilyinthewindowsofatallandsplendidmansion，alittlewithdrawnfromthestreet。Thesourceofthelightwasinthefore—court，hiddenfromusbyalowwall，butIcaughtthemurmurofvoicesandstirofmanyfeet。Onceagatewasstealthilyopenedandtwoarmedmenlookedout，theactandtheirmannerofdoingit，remindingmeontheinstantofthosewhohadpeepedouttoinspectussomehoursbeforeinBezers’house。Andonce，naytwice，inthemouthofanarrowalleyIdiscernedaknotofmenstandingmotionlessinthegloom。Therewasanairofmysteryabroad，afeelingasofsolemnstirandpreparationgoingonundercoverofthedarkness，whichawedandunnervedme。
　　ButIsaidnothingofthis，andMadamed’Owasequallysilent。