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Rh A prisoner, my God, a prisoner at such a time!" Her agony at the thought was perfectly acted.

"I could go to Malincourt," he suggested.

"But there is Antoine; and even were I free from the Castle and got what I need from Malincourt, I could not pass the city gates. Oh, what can I do! What can I do!"

"I have a permit to leave the city when I will, and could take you. See," he answered in the same sleek, smooth voice, as he took it out and showed it to her. "Then she is not in the city?" he added, when Lucette seemed to hesitate. "They say that all have been seen at Crevasse."

"But they will not be found, save by those who know where to look. If I could make sure that only he would be taken, I should not mind then. And there is the money, Jacques. Oh, was ever a poor girl so troubled!"

"I could manage it, Lucette, and manage Antoine, too. Listen. Go to him and pretend that you need certain things for yourself from Malincourt; say nothing of miladi, and we will all go together. If both Antoine and I are with you, no questions will be asked as to where you go. You can then get the disguise and whatever else you need for miladi, and I'll find a pretext to get rid of Antoine, and you and I alone will go to miladi."

"How cunningly you plan, Jacques; how shrewd! You make it seem so simple," and Lucette thanked him with a radiant smile. Her face clouded again instantly, however, as she added, "But Antoine is a dangerous man, Jacques."

"I will manage that. At need, I will have him recalled from Malincourt, or we will return to the Castle and then I will get him away. But mind, not a syllable about miladi."

"You give me courage, Jacques. Let us go to him.