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Rh "I could not even stay to thank him, and would wish to do so. Let him know as much."

"Before I go, there is a grave matter on which I would speak with you."

"Not now, Denys, but afterward. He must not think Gabrielle de Malincourt ungrateful. I beg you hasten at once in quest of him."

"I will go," he answered, and turning toward Lucette, said nervously: "Lucette, I"

"We can finish our quarrel when you return," she interposed. "I may forgive you if you do Gabrielle's service quickly." Her tone was one of indifference, but he read the smile in her eyes and went with a light quick step upon his errand.

Gabrielle had dropped into the vacant seat by Lucette and now leant back thinking, her lips slightly parted and her eyes dreamy.

"He was a handsome man, coz, this cavalier of yours?" Gabrielle started at the question and then met her friend's half-quizzing look calmly.

"I have never seen a nobler, Lucette. I hope our good Denys will find him. Why do you plague that good fellow so sorely?"

"Nay, it is he plagues me. He is always quarrelling."

"You are always finding cause to make him, you mean?"

"He is a man, and must be kept in his place;" and Lucette shrugged her shoulders.

"By bickering and teasing and wrangling? Does it please you?"

"There is always the making up again;" and Lucette laughed roguishly.

"Beware how you try him too much. He is sterling mettle." She paused and suppressed a sigh as she added: "How happy you should be!"