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Rh the strength of all the people's sympathy behind us, what may we not achieve? But when you see the Duke, be wary of him; give him no cause present offence that we may be the stronger in the future."

"Does any one but you know that you sent to Bourbon for help? Your uncle, for instance?"

"No. I told no one; not even him. I deemed him too intimate with the Governor. He would not wittingly betray me, I know, for he has often spoken to me in sorrow of the Duke's government. You like him, Gerard?"

"I have seen but little of him; but I have indeed found him blunt in speaking of facts," was the cautious reply, drily spoken.

A footstep on the terrace disturbed them. It was Pascal.

"I was seeking you, monsieur, to know if you have any other commands for me," he said aloud in a respectful tone, adding in a whisper, as they stood apart: "I must speak to you at once. There's a devil of a mess."

"Wait but a minute," whispered Gerard; and then aloud: "I will you see directly, good Pascal. It is my faithful fellow in some trouble about me, Gabrielle."

"Then let us go in. Ah, here is Lucette," she added, as Lucette, looking very troubled, came out of the maison. "How is Denys, Lucette?"

"He was better for some time, but the fever seems to have come back upon him. The surgeon has seen him again, and given him a potion, and he is now asleep."

"He should be carefully watched all night, never left for a moment," declared Gerard quickly, remembering de Proballe's threatening words. "You will see to this, mademoiselle."

"The surgeon says he will sleep until the morning, and will need no more till then," answered Lucette.