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278 not thought it possible—for me. And yet that great blank past, when you were not in my life, is but a few hours ago. I seem to have stepped out of the wilderness with a single stride into a world all rich and lovely with delight. And it is real."

"It shall always be real to us, dearest."

"When these other shadows are past," she sighed. "But they will pass I know. If I have my moods of doubt it is only the dread lest the dream shall be broken and I shall lose you."

"Nothing shall part us, Gabrielle, not even death," he declared earnestly.

"No. Not even death. For if I lost you, I should die. I should wish to die, indeed. And it is that which fills me with courage and energy to fight out with fight and conquer."

"Spoken as I would have my Gabrielle speak and think," he said.

Some one came then saying that Babillon was asking for Gabrielle, and he was brought in to them.

"You have some news, Babillon?" asked Gabrielle.

"I have not been idle, miladi. The news of your trouble has roused the burghers of the city, and at a word from you they will rise in your defence."

"Have you said aught that mademoiselle is here?" asked Gerard quickly.

"No, my lord. The tale has spread from the Castle that you have all escaped from the city and are hiding in the hills to the north. That miladi should be thus driven to such extremities to avoid the persecutions of the Governor has caused the present tumult, and I am supposed to be able to communicate with her. Miladi has many adherents even among the troops of the Governor, and from them has gone abroad the story of her wrongs. The burghers have long had their bitter grievances and have been arming themselves; and now