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82 glance that made him wish any one else had been chosen for the task. "You have too good a heart to wish to frighten a poor girl like myself, or to persecute a noble innocent girl like Mademoiselle de Malincourt."

"Several messengers have been sent here during the day and none of them have returned. I have come therefore to learn the reason."

"Certainly, monsieur. It is very strange," and Lucette looked at him, almost sympathetically. "What do you wish me to do?"

"I must see the guard for myself, mademoiselle."

"Certainly, monsieur. Where are they?"

"Pardon me. You are either keeping matters from me—which I assure you will be useless—or you are strangely ignorant of what has occurred here."

"I think it must be both, monsieur, don't you?" and they laughed together at the reply.

"I beg you tell me."

"Oh, am I the guard? Very well. What shall I tell you?"

He made a gesture of impatience.

"Where are the soldiers? My orders are to use all despatch."

"Oh, then I am not the guard," she cried with a laugh, and then seriously: "I give you my word, monsieur, I have been in the house some hours and have seen neither the guard nor the messengers."

"Have you seen the prisoners, mademoiselle?"

"Monsieur. That question is almost an insult!"

"I mean no insult to so charming a lady, I assure you; but you leave me no option save to search the house."

"What, again?" she cried in a merry bantering tone."I did not know the great Duke was organizing a game of hide and go seek. But, seriously, monsieur, do you think your party is strong enough? We have a number of very savage old men among the Malincourt retainers, and some younger girls than I."