and Falise could not refuse, and the people were glad enough,
for they would have a free hand at meat and wine, the Baron being
liberal of table. And it was as they guessed, for though the time was
so short, the people at Beaugard soon had the tables heavy with food and
drink. It was just at the time of candle-lighting the Baron came in and
gave a toast. 'To the dwellers in Eden to-night,' he said--'Eden against
the time of the Angel and the Sword.' I do not think that any except
the Cure and the woman understood, and she, maybe, only because a woman
feels the truth about a thing, even when her brain does not. After they
had done shouting to his toast, he said a good-night to all, and they
began to leave, the Cure among the first to go, with a troubled look in
his face.

"As the people left, the Baron said to Garoche and Falise: 'A moment
with me before you go.' The woman started, for she thought of one thing,
and Garoche started, for he thought of another--the siege of Beaugard
and the killing of young Marmette. But they followed the Baron to his
chamber. Coming in, he shut the door on them. Then he turned to Garoche.
'You will accept the roof and bed of Beaugard to-night, my man,' he
said, 'and come to me here at nine tomorrow morning.' Garoche stared
hard for an instant. 'Stay here!' said Garoche, 'Falise and me stay
here in the Manor, M'sieu' le Baron!' 'Here, even here, Garoche; so
good-night to you,' said the Baron. Garoche turned towards the girl.
'Then come, Falise,' he said, and reached out his hand. 'Your room,
Garoche, shall be shown you at once,' the Baron added softly, 'the
lady's at her pleasure.'

"Then a cry burst from Garoche, and he sprang forward, but the Baron
waved him back. 'Stand off,' he said, 'and let the lady choose between
us.' 'She is my wife,' said Garoche. 'I am your Seigneur,' said the
other. 'And there is more than that,' he went on; 'for, damn me, she
is too fine stuff for you, and the Church shall untie what she has tied
to-day!' At that Falise fainted, and the Baron caught her as she fell.
He laid her on a couch, keeping an eye on Garoche the while. 'Loose
her gown,' he said, 'while I get brandy.' Then he turned to a cupboard,
poured liquor, and came over. Garoche had her dress open at the neck and
bosom, and was staring at something on her breast. The Baron saw also,
stooped with a strange sound in his throat, and picked it up. 'My
glove!' he said. 'And on her wedding-day!' He point