Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/269

Rh not see him, so with a glance to make sure they were alone, he accosted her.

"Your pardon, mademoiselle, can you tell me where I can find Captain Bassot?"

"No, monsieur," she answered, and glancing up as she recognized him. "You?" she exclaimed.

"I'm glad they are no other than your bright eyes that see me, mademoiselle," he answered smiling.

"We must not speak here. Follow me," and she hurried back along the corridor until she came to a low doorway, through which she passed, giving a quick glance about to see that no one was observing her.

Pascal followed and found himself in a small antechamber bare of furniture and overlooking the courtyard.

"Tell me the news, monsieur," urged Lucette. "This suspense is killing. Where is Mademoiselle de Malincourt?"

"First tell me why I find you here," he said, cautiously.

"Ah, you suspect even me," she answered quickly, with some indignation.

"Suspect is far too strong a word, but I am curious, I admit."

"You are grossly unjust. I am a prisoner. After I saw you for the last time last night, I came here to be with Gabrielle, and was with the Duchess awaiting her return from the prison, when the escape of the prisoners was discovered; and since then I have been in a fever of suspense to know that she is safe and where she is. The Duke was like a madman. He came to the Duchess' apartments in search of Gabrielle, and raged like a fiend incarnate at not finding her. I thought he would have flung us all into prison; and he threatened me with the rack if I did not tell him where Gabrielle was."

"He is a chivalrous gentleman," said Pascal.