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ISTRESSED as Gerard had been by the necessity to deceive Gabrielle, into which he had allowed himself to be drawn, he had no such qualms in regard to her uncle. He was convinced that, as Pascal had said, if there was evil work on foot, de Proballe would be concerned in it.

That such a man should be found established at Malincourt, posing as the true friend of an innocent girl, and regarded by her as an honourable and confidential adviser, was in itself enough to rouse suspicion.

He decided at once, therefore, to fall in with de Proballe's mood, whatever it might be, and to lead him to talk as freely as he would.

"Why did you not come straight to Malincourt, Gerard, or at any rate let me know of your presence in Morvaix, that I might have word with you?"

"If I was doubtful of my reception by Gabrielle, can you blame me?" asked Gerard in reply, dropping readily into his assumed character.

"But I had told you exactly how matters were with her."

"But I had not seen her with my own eyes."

"Psh, a sentimental fool's reason," exclaimed de Proballe, contemptuously.

"Yet, I am no sentimental fool, monsieur."

"If you were no worse, you would be lucky. Your kinsman, Raouf, in Paris, gave me your history."

"He may have lied," answered Gerard, calmly, suppressing a start at the mention of the name and the coin