Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/141

Rh "Harbour no fears of that. Stay, what if I could lead a movement here which, without the evil things that make your woman's heart shrink, could yet break this Tiger's power and give good and just government to the people?"

"It is not possible, Gerard. You speak at random. You are not known in Morvaix; and the people would not follow an unknown leader. Yet I have dreamed of something of the kind since you came. Were you but once established firmly as lord of Malincourt and had had time to win the confidence of the people and their trust, as you would win it, then—but there, it is no more than a dream conjured up by finding you the man you are."

"May I test your trust still further? I have my reasons, God knows, for thus testing you. If I were in very truth the wretch the Duke has painted me, and yet had the means to do what I have said and came to you in the moment of my triumph and asked you to be my wife, how would you answer?"

"I would lay my hand in yours without a question, Gerard, sure that, whatever your past, you had redeemed it for my sake." She gave her answer without a falter or a second of hesitation.

"Thank God and you for those words and that trust, Gabrielle," he cried, with fervent passion. "If I am ever unworthy of it, may God deal with me for a traitor! The time for me to claim you so will come, and until it comes I will wait to seek from your lips the kiss of betrothal. Now am I sure indeed that all will be well with us."

"But you will not remain in Morvaix?" she asked, after a pause.

"Could I leave you after this?" he replied tenderly.

"I should understand the reason of your going."

"I have far stronger reasons to remain near you."