by unending patience and diligence--that shall be
my motto. I shall devote to the chase every art that I have learned
or known by nature. So there you have me, mademoiselle. Since you have
brought me to the point, I will unfurl my flag.... I am--your--hunter,'
he went on, speaking with slow, painful emphasis, 'and I shall make you
mine. You fight against me, but it is no use.' I got to my feet, and
said with coolness, though I was sick at heart and trembling, 'You are
frank. You have made two resolves. I shall give weight to one as you
fulfill the other'; and, smiling at him, I moved away towards my mother.

"Masterful as he is, I felt that this would touch his vanity. There lay
my great chance with him. If he had guessed the truth of what's
between us, be sure, Robert, your life were not worth one hour beyond
to-morrow's sunrise. You must know how I loathe deceitfulness, but when
one weak girl is matched against powerful and evil men, what can she do?
My conscience does not chide me, for I know my cause is just. Robert,
look me in the eyes.... There, like that.... Now tell me. You are
innocent of the dishonourable thing, are you not? I believe with all my
soul, but that I may say from your own lips that you are no spy, tell me
so."

When I had said as she had wished, assuring her she should know all,
carrying proofs away with her, and that hidden evidence of which
Doltaire had spoken, she went on:

"'You put me to the test,' said monsieur. 'Doing one, it will be proof
that I shall do the other.' He fixed his eyes upon me with such a look
that my whole nature shrank from him, as if the next instant his hateful
hands were to be placed on me. Oh, Robert, I know how perilous was the
part I played, but I dared it for your sake. For a whole year I have
dissembled to every one save to that poor mad soul Mathilde, who reads
my heart in her wild way, to Voban, and to the rough soldier outside
your dungeon. But they will not betray me. God has given us these rough
but honest friends.

"Well, monsieur left me that night, and I have not seen him since, nor
can I tell where he is, for no one knows, and I dare not ask too much.
I did believe he would achieve his boast as to saving your life, and so,
all yesterday and to-day, I have waited with most anxious heart; but not
one word! Yet there was that in all he said which made me sure he meant
to save you, and I believe he will. Yet think: if anything happened
to him! You know wha