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126 "I think you should not. I am safe; but I fear for you; and my fear will not pass while you remain here. I am going to-day to the Duchess and shall seek her aid and counsel—telling her all."

"To the Castle?"

"Of a surety to the Castle. She has sent an urgent message to see me."

"By whom?"

"The Duke."

"I scent trouble in it. I do not like you to trust yourself in that man's power. If you go, I shall go too."

"You are needlessly alarmed. She is my friend, and as good a woman as ever drew breath. I am often with her. I could not refuse; but it would be madness for you to think of going."

"The term madness does not hinder me. For the part I have to play a bold front is not only necessary, it is prudence."

"But you can serve no useful end by such a venture. The Duke might offer you violence, indeed, in his anger."

"I can find a pretext and would gladly have a chance to get within the walls."

"It may be less easy to find one to get out, Gerard."

"Even so the work I have to do would not be stayed. I am firm on the point."

"I do not like the look of it;" and Gabrielle's face clouded.

"The look may change on closer view."

"Harm will come of it, Gerard. Let me prevail."

"When my work is done you shall never prefer a request in vain. But this you must not press." She yielded then, albeit with anxiety and misgivings; and they went into the house.

Gerard hastened to his apartments to wait for Pascal