dges, as they sat there watching me; some meanwhile throwing
crumbs to fluttering birds that whirled round me, some stroking the ears
of hounds that gaped at me, while the king's fool at first made mock at
me, and the face of a man behind the king's chair smiled like Satan--or
Monsieur Doltaire! Ah, Robert, I know you think me fanciful and foolish,
as indeed I am; but you must bear with me.

"I danced constantly, practising hour upon hour with Jamond, who came
to be my good friend; and you shall hear from me some day her history--a
sad one indeed; a woman sinned against, not sinning. But these special
lessons went on secretly, for I was sure, if people knew how warmly I
followed this recreation, they would set it down to wilful desire to be
singular--or worse. It gave me new interest in lonely days. So the weeks
went on.

"Well, that wicked night I sent Voban to General Montcalm, and, as
I said, a thought came to me: I would find Jamond, beg her to mask
herself, go to the Intendance, and dance before the gentlemen there,
keeping them amused till the General came, as I was sure he would at
my suggestion, for he is a just man and a generous. All my people, even
Georgette, were abroad at a soiree, and would not be home till late. So
I sought Mathilde, and she hurried with me, my poor daft protector, to
Jamond's, whose house is very near the bishop's palace.

"We were at once admitted to Jamond, who was lying upon a couch.
I hurriedly told her what I wished her to do, what was at stake,
everything but that I loved you; laying my interest upon humanity and
to your having saved my father's life. She looked troubled at once, then
took my face in her hands. 'Dear child,' she said, 'I understand. You
have sorrow too young--too young.' 'But you will do this for me?' I
cried. She shook her head sadly. 'I can not. I am lame these two days,'
she answered. 'I have had a sprain.' I sank on the floor beside her,
sick and dazed. She put her hand pitifully on my head, then lifted up
my chin. Looking into her eyes, I read a thought there, and I got to my
feet with a spring. 'I myself will go,' said I; 'I will dance there till
the General comes.' She put out her hand in protest. 'You must not,' she
urged. 'Think: you may be discovered, and then the ruin that must come!'

"'I shall put my trust in God,' said I. 'I have no fear. I will do this
thing.' She caught me to her breast. 'Then God be with you, child,' was
her answer; 'you shall d