I can do what I am doing for Aline without offending my
conscience. Besides, for Aline I would offend my conscience and do it.
But Mme. de Plougastel is in very different case. Neither Aline nor any
of hers have been concerned in counter-revolutionary work, which is the
true source of the calamity that now threatens to overtake us. I can
procure her removal from Paris without self-reproach, convinced that I
am doing nothing that any one could censure, or that might become the
subject of enquiries. But Mme. de Plougastel is the wife of M. le Comte
de Plougastel, whom all the world knows to be an agent between the Court
and the emigres."

"That is no fault of hers," cried M. de Kercadiou through his
consternation.

"Agreed. But she may be called upon at any moment to establish the fact
that she is not a party to these manoeuvres. It is known that she was in
Paris to-day. Should she be sought to-morrow and should it be found
that she has gone, enquiries will certainly be made, from which it must
result that I have betrayed my trust, and abused my powers to serve
personal ends. I hope, monsieur, that you will understand that the risk
is too great to be run for the sake of a stranger."

"A stranger?" said the Seigneur reproachfully.

"Practically a stranger to me," said Andre-Louis.

"But she is not a stranger to me, Andre. She is my cousin and very dear
and valued friend. And, mon Dieu, what you say but increases the
urgency of getting her out of Paris. She must be rescued, Andre, at all
costs--she must be rescued! Why, her case is infinitely more urgent than
Aline's!"

He stood a suppliant before his godson, very different now from the
stern man who had greeted him on his arrival. His face was pale, his
hands shook, and there were beads of perspiration on his brow.

"Monsieur my godfather, I would do anything in reason. But I cannot do
this. To rescue her might mean ruin for Aline and yourself as well as
for me."

"We must take the risk."

"You have a right to speak for yourself, of course."

"Oh, and for you, believe me, Andre, for you!" He came close to the
young man. "Andre, I implore you to take my word for that, and to obtain
this permit for Mme. de Plougastel."

Andre looked at him mystified. "This is fantastic," he said. "I have
grateful memories of the lady's interest in me for a few days once
when I was a child, and again more recently in Paris when she sought to
convert me to what she accounts the