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344 But Gerard was a far better actor than he, and replied in a very loud tone, as if more surprised than ever—

"Do you wish me to announce to all present that, having already one wife, you propose to take a second? This is against the laws of France, my lord. I cannot make such an announcement."

The Governor bit his lip and frowned, and said, in a threatening undertone—

"If you wish to leave Morvaix to-night with your head on your shoulders, you will announce it."

"You are tearing off the mask, then, at last," said Gerard, as calmly as before, with a smile.

"The Duchess herself has agreed to a divorce, so that this marriage may take place."

"It is a union I cannot and will not sanction," declared Gerard in a loud firm voice. "In the name of the Suzerain of Morvaix I forbid it. It must and shall not be."

"We will see to that and have an end to this mockery," cried the Governor, turning to give an order to his officers. But before he could deliver it an interruption came. The Duchess de Rochelle was borne into the hall on a litter.

Dead silence fell on all as her litter was set down at the foot of the steps.

"Here is the Duchess to speak for herself," said Gerard.

She was pale and fragile, but her eyes were burning, and her soft voice thrilled all as she spoke.

"I have heard what has passed, my lord," she said to Gerard; "and I have come here to protest against this contemplated wrong—the last of many I have endured at my husband's hands. I will not have that innocent girl sacrificed. I protest solemnly against this infamy, in the name of God, the Holy Church, and of the laws of France."

The effort seemed to exhaust her strength, and as she