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192 "I shall hope to change that resolve amongst others," he replied, as Lucette went away. "It is for that I wish to speak with you."

Gabrielle made no reply for the moment. The storm of her indignation against the Duke had passed, as he noticed with satisfaction; but he could not read her present mood; and mistook a deliberate intention to outwit him for a readiness to listen with some complacency to the alternatives he had come to propose. The hope of setting Gerard free spurred her woman's wit to the utmost. She was, indeed, ready enough to listen to him, schooling her temper and keeping it under control, so as to learn his plans. She was fighting the cause of the man she loved against the man she hated with hate implacable; and she would fight warily and coolly, with every weapon in her armoury, and with a full knowledge of all the danger that might follow a false step.

"I have spoken with your uncle."

"He is no longer kin of mine, my lord," she interposed, coldly. "He has wronged me beyond endurance."

"Well, with M. de Proballe then, and have convinced myself that he has had no motive save that of serving your best interests."

"As head of my house, monsieur, it is for me to say whom I count upon my side and whom I deem against me. Never again will I speak to or see M. de Proballe. I hold him for my worst enemy."

"And what of me?" he asked quickly.

"You have done a bitter injustice and a cruel wrong to an innocent and gallant gentleman—but it is in your power to repair it. Will you speak the word that will undo it?"

"Innocent?" he carped. "Was it innocent to steal among us in a false name and character. Was it gallant to act such a lie?"

"He was forced into it."