of it, poor devils. And as for us--my
God! They hate us more than they hate the Swiss. Hence this filthy
disguise."

He peeled off the shaggy greatcoat, and casting it from him stepped
forth in the black satin that had been the general livery of the hundred
knights of the dagger who had rallied in the Tuileries that morning to
the defence of their king.

His coat was rent across the back, his neckcloth and the ruffles at his
wrists were torn and bloodstained; with his smeared face and disordered
headdress he was terrible to behold. Yet he contrived to carry himself
with his habitual easy assurance, remembered to kiss the trembling hand
which Mme. de Plougastel extended to him in welcome.

"You did well to come to me, Gervais," she said. "Yes, here is sanctuary
for the present. You will be quite safe, at least for as long as we are
safe. My servants are entirely trustworthy. Sit down and tell me all."

He obeyed her, collapsing almost into the armchair which she
thrust forward, a man exhausted, whether by physical exertion or by
nerve-strain, or both. He drew a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped
some of the blood and dirt from his face.

"It is soon told." His tone was bitter with the bitterness of despair.
"This, my dear, is the end of us. Plougastel is lucky in being across
the frontier at such a time. Had I not been fool enough to trust those
who to-day have proved themselves utterly unworthy of trust, that is
where I should be myself. My remaining in Paris is the crowning folly
of a life full of follies and mistakes. That I should come to you in
my hour of most urgent need adds point to it." He laughed in his
bitterness.

Madame moistened her dry lips. "And... and now?" she asked him.

"It only remains to get away as soon as may be, if it is still possible.
Here in France there is no longer any room for us--at least, not above
ground. To-day has proved it." And then he looked up at her, standing
there beside him so pale and timid, and he smiled. He patted the fine
hand that rested upon the arm of his chair. "My dear Therese, unless you
carry charitableness to the length of giving me to drink, you will
see me perish of thirst under your eyes before ever the canaille has a
chance to finish me."

She started. "I should have thought of it!" she cried in self-reproach,
and she turned quickly. "Aline," she begged, "tell Jacques to bring..."

"Aline!" he echoed, interrupting, and swinging round in his turn. Th