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Rh "We will, then, hear the prisoners themselves."

"That is not the law in Morvaix," was the curt reply. "They were caught red-handed, and can make no defence."

"Is that your Morvaix justice, my lord? I am not surprised there is discontent, therefore. I will consider the matter I have heard, and give my judgment on the morrow. Meanwhile the prisoners will be released."

They broke out into joyous shouts at this, and again the cries of "Long live Bourbon!" rent the air, to the intense mortification and anger of the Governor.

"This is too much," he said with a scowl. "Your lordship will not be here on the morrow. I am sending you to-night on your way with an escort."

But Gerard having his own end in view, affected not to hear him.

"And now the second matter you mentioned, my lord?" he asked; "affecting Mademoiselle de Malincourt here and yourself."

"It is one that will doubtless please you," answered the Governor. The burlesque so far had brought him far less pleasure than mortification; but he was now sure of his ground. He intended to make Gerard the medium of announcing his betrothal to Gabrielle, and the thought of this triumph of ingenuity appealed to him. "Mademoiselle de Malincourt has been pleased to consent to betroth herself to me, most noble lord; and your gracious presence makes this a fitting opportunity for the fact to be announced. You will be good enough to announce it."

His tone was a threat, and as such Gerard understood it.

"Betrothal?" he repeated, with an excellent simulation of surprise, as if ignorant of the whole matter. "But is there not already one Duchess de Rochelle?"

"You know the facts well," answered the Governor, dropping all form in his anger. "Do what I say, or there may be bitter reasons to regret it."