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ABRIELLE heard Lucette's story with intense interest, and saw that with help from Pascal outside it might be possible to get Gerard away from Morvaix without concealing him first in the Duchess's apartments; and she resolved to go immediately to Malincourt to consult with Pascal.

But she found the Duchess opposed to this.

"If you go and then return to me, Gabrielle, it may provoke notice and start suspicion."

"But I must see Pascal," she urged.

"Then safer to see him here. Let him come as if to me. I have frequent messengers from friends; and his coming will cause no talk. He can come as with a message, say, from the Count and Countess d'Auvaine, and no questions will be asked."

"He is known to some in the Castle. M. de Proballe, for instance, and others; and recognition would be ruin."

"It would be worse, child, if a watch were set on yourself and so the way to the prison quarters blocked. If this gentleman is loath to risk coming here, let it be known that you are staying with me for a few days—as you have done before—and let Lucette carry your messages. There is reason for her passing to and fro, as you will need many things for your stay here."

"You are right; I will go and tell Lucette."

She was about to leave when Pauline returned.

She had seen her father, she said, and he had readily agreed to do anything that was asked of him. He ad