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Rh cidence it suggested. "But let it pass. What I have done, I have done. If it comes to that, Raouf gave me no saintly account of you."

"Paris is not Morvaix, and what I do there or here is no concern of yours or his," was the curt, half angry reply.

Gerard laughed. "As I said, Raouf may have lied. It is of no account; but I cannot see that in choosing my own method I have done so ill."

De Proballe smiled unpleasantly.

"You played boldly. I did not know you had such courage—except in your cups. Yes, you have made a good impression on Gabrielle; but have none the less done ill."

"In what way?"

"In saving that fool to-day. You were too hasty. You should have let one of the swords find his heart, and then have played the rescuer of Gabrielle. The men wouldn't have touched you."

"Why not?" asked Gerard quickly. "They tried."

"Because you stood between them and Denys."

"Read me the riddle."

"Denys has found out something of the real purpose of this marriage; how much I know not; and his silence is necessary to our success. The Duke will not thank you."

"The Duke!" exclaimed Gerard hastily, bewildered by this unexpected reference to the Governor in connection with the marriage. A sudden sharp glance from his companion warned him that he had blundered, so he forced a laugh, and added: "The Duke should label his men if he does not want them hurt."

"Are you a fool?" retorted de Proballe, sharply. "Had you come straight to me, this would have been avoided. I tell you the man is dangerous. Is not that enough?"

"No; it depends on how much he knows."