Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/175

Rh seemed such strange conduct in a man you believed to be your cousin and for whose coming you were prepared."

"You did not tell me all, monsieur," said Gabrielle.

"You shall know why. I was on the point of doing so when M. de Proballe interrupted us, and carrying me away, told me enough to disclose to me the peril which threatened you."

"Yes, yes, we know all about that," interposed de Proballe hastily.

"Mademoiselle de Malincourt does not. You read the letter yesterday of which your follower Denys had in some way possessed himself, mademoiselle, and I need only say that that contained in essence the story of this de Cobalt which M. de Proballe told me at length, adding that my marriage with you was to be no more or less than a cover for your ruin at the hands of the Duke de Rochelle."

"It is a lie," cried the Governor furiously.

"Then blame the liar, M. le Duc. There he stands," and Gerard pointed at de Proballe.

"It is a tissue of lies," said de Proballe. "You know me too well, Gabrielle, to believe this vile slander."

"There you mistake. It is I, not Mademoiselle de Malincourt, who know you. I know M. de Proballe's life and reputation in Paris."

"This shall go no further. Your name, monsieur?" demanded the Governor.

"Does not touch the truth or falsehood of what I say, and need not therefore be disclosed yet. I shall choose my own time to disclose it."

"You will tell it now, or suffer the consequences."

"I do not understand. Do you threaten me?"

"By your own confession you have come sneaking here in an assumed name; as a spy of some sort. We soldiers have a short shrift for spies."

"Monsieur" began Gabrielle, in a tone of en