itadel he changed at once, and, taking from my head this cap
and wig, he said quite gently, yet I could see he was angry, too, 'This
is a mad doing, young lady.' He said no more, and led me straight to
you. If I had told him I was coming, I know he would have stayed me. But
at the dangerous moment he had not heart to drive me back.... And that
is all my story, Robert."

As I have said, this tale was broken often by little questionings and
exclamations, and was not told in one long narrative as I have written
it here. When she had done I sat silent and overcome for a moment. There
was one thing now troubling me sorely, even in the painful joy of having
her here close by me. She had risked all to save my life--reputation,
friends, even myself, the one solace in her possible misery. Was it not
my duty to agree to Doltaire's terms, for her sake, if there was yet
a chance to do so? I had made a solemn promise to Sir John Godric that
those letters, if they ever left my hands, should go to the lady who had
written them; and to save my own life I would not have broken faith with
my benefactor. But had I the right to add to the misery of this sweet,
brave spirit? Suppose it was but for a year or two: had I the right to
give her sorrow for that time, if I could prevent it, even at the cost
of honour with the dead? Was it not my duty to act, and at once? Time
was short.

While in a swift moment I was debating, Gabord opened the door, and
said, "Come, end it, end it. Gabord has a head to save!" I begged him
for one minute more, and then giving Alixe the packet which held my
story, I told her hastily the matter between Doltaire and myself, and
said that now, rather than give her sorrow, I was prepared to break my
word with Sir John Godric. She heard me through with flashing eyes, and
I could see her bosom heave. When I had done, she looked me straight in
the eyes.

"Is all that here?" she said, holding up the packet.

"All," I answered.

"And you would not break your word to save your own life?"

I shook my head in negation.

"Now I know that you are truly honourable," she answered, "and you shall
not break your promise for me. No, no, you shall not; you shall not
stir. Tell me that you will not send word to Monsieur Doltaire--tell
me!"

When, after some struggle, I had consented, she said, "But I may act. I
am not bound to secrecy. I have given no word or bond. I will go to the
Governor with my love, and I do not fear the