Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/228

212 "My lord cannot hear that, Gabrielle," he whispered tenderly.

"Gerard," she murmured, and lifted her face and gazed upon him with eyes of love.

"Thus then I break my pledge. I said I would not seek a betrothal kiss till I came for it having freed Morvaix from the claws of its Tiger; but—" and stooping he kissed her on the lips. "My Gabrielle."

"My Gerard, my knight, my love," she whispered, and of herself with love's sweet rapturous abandonment sought his lips in return.

They stood thus in silent happiness too deep for words, when the stillness without was broken.

"Who goes there?" It was the voice of the guard.

"Pascal has come," said Gerard.

"And we shall have to part. I could almost grudge his coming. But look down, Gerard, and see what passes."

"There are several soldiers," he reported, his head at the casement. "Ah, it is a ruse. Good Pascal."

The sound of a moment's struggle came up; a weapon fell with a clang upon the courtyard stones; the press of heavy footsteps; and then again silence.

"Done without bloodshed," said Gerard; "and well done, Pascal. He sees me and motions. Give me the rope, dearest;" and he flung it out far into the night.

"Go, Gerard, go," cried Gabrielle, excitedly.

"And you, Gabrielle? Where do you go?"

"Back to the Duchess. She has planned this and is our staunch friend. To-morrow I shall return to Malincourt."

"I would rather you went with me. You would be safe at Malincourt. This rope would bear us."

"I shall be safe with my friend. Go, Gerard, for the love of God, go. Every moment is precious."

"I do not like to leave you."