hey looked at each other in silence. Drops gathered on the livid
forehead of the young man; he seized the black tufts of his hair in one
hand with a gesture of despair, and rested his elbow on Ginevra's easel.

"After all," he said, rising abruptly, "Labedoyere and I knew what we
were doing. We were certain of the fate that awaited us, whether from
triumph or defeat. He dies for the Cause, and here am I, hiding myself!"

He rushed toward the door of the studio; but, quicker than he, Ginevra
reached it, and barred his way.

"Can you restore the Emperor?" she said. "Do you expect to raise that
giant who could not maintain himself?"

"But what can I do?" said the young man, addressing the two friends whom
chance had sent to him. "I have not a relation in the world. Labedoyere
was my protector and my friend; without him, I am alone. To-morrow I
myself may be condemned; my only fortune was my pay. I spent my last
penny to come here and try to snatch Labedoyere from his fate; death
is, therefore, a necessity for me. When a man decides to die he ought
to know how to sell his life to the executioner. I was thinking just now
that the life of an honest man is worth that of two traitors, and the
blow of a dagger well placed may give immortality."

This spasm of despair alarmed the painter, and even Ginevra, whose own
nature comprehended that of the young man. She admired his handsome face
and his delightful voice, the sweetness of which was scarcely lessened
by its tones of fury. Then, all of a sudden, she poured a balm upon the
wounds of the unfortunate man:--

"Monsieur," she said, "as for your pecuniary distress, permit me to
offer you my savings. My father is rich; I am his only child; he loves
me, and I am sure he will never blame me. Have no scruple in accepting
my offer; our property is derived from the Emperor; we do not own a
penny that is not the result of his munificence. Is it not gratitude
to him to assist his faithful soldiers? Take the sums you need as
indifferently as I offer them. It is only money!" she added, in a tone
of contempt. "Now, as for friends,--those you shall have."

She raised her head proudly, and her eyes shone with dazzling
brilliancy.

"The head which falls to-morrow before a dozen muskets will save yours,"
she went on. "Wait till the storm is over; you can then escape and take
service in foreign countries if you are not forgotten here; or in the
French army, if you are."

In the comfort