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Rh eyes were very keen, and knowing all she did, she was watching closely enough to catch de Proballe's glance of meaning as he answered—

"You are right then, Gerard. I will see to this, Gabrielle. Denys is too good a fellow for us to run any risks with. My man, Jacques Dauban, has had some training in surgery, and would gladly keep such a vigil."

Lucette bit her lip and cast down her eyes.

"I think we need not trouble Master Dauban or cause him to lose a night's rest," she said. "My maid and I can watch, monsieur."

"Ever kind and considerate, Lucette," said de Proballe. "Well, we can see to it, as Gabrielle says. And now, Gerard, I have a word for your ear about the Governor. He cannot receive you to-night."

"I am sorry; but to-morrow will do for me."

"What is this about Denys?" asked de Proballe, eagerly, when Gabrielle and Lucette had left them. "You should not have urged that watching. If the man is alive to-morrow, everything may be ruined. What has he said to Lucette there?"

"Indeed, I neither know nor care."

"Are you mad?"

"To-night, perhaps yes; sanity may come in the morning. I have been talking long and earnestly with Gabrielle, and her purity and innocence may have maddened me. If that be so, it is sweet madness."

"Psh. Spare me such cant. Would you ruin everything? We are men with work to do, not fools to stuff our minds with folly."

"Nor villains to murder sick men. If harm should come to Denys I should never forgive myself—nor you, monsieur; and I should hold you responsible."

"Then you do not wish this marriage?"

"Not if the path to it be cold-blooded murder, Monsieur de Proballe."