's warrant is a thing that one
cannot play with or disregard, however distressing it may be to one's
feelings."

"Sir," exclaimed the baron, sternly, "I do not want any suggestions
from you in such a matter. I know my duty, and the king's warrant
would be obeyed by me to the letter if it involved the very life of my
own child."

"No doubt, no doubt," was the answer. "I have only further to say that
it is a part of the minister's injunctions, as you will find in
perusing them, that these two persons are not to be allowed to hold any
communication with each other, and are to be carefully secluded from
observation. Gabrielle has, of herself, chosen to wear a long mourning
veil which she never removes; but as to all that, Monsieur le Baron, it
is for you to act according to your instructions. I will now prepare
for my departure, and I do myself the honour of bidding you adieu."

"Is it possible?" muttered M. de Valricour, as he paced up and down the
chamber when left to himself. "So the poor boy was seized, after all,
and my brother-in-law must have been misled as to his being at large.
And Marguerite too, whom I promised to protect. What! must I act as
her gaoler? I could be thankful to any English bullet that would save
me from this." He sat down for a little while and endeavoured to
collect himself, but it was of no use, and more than one tear dropped
on the floor as the old soldier bowed his head and prayed for strength
to do his duty. "I never knew how much I loved the boy till now," said
he; "but he was so frank, so brave, so generous. And the poor forlorn
orphan! Well," he exclaimed as he rose from his chair, "I can at least
comfort them separately. Each one at least may be consoled by knowing
that the other is alive and well. Yes, I will go at once."

Proceeding straight to the apartment occupied by Godefroid, he tapped
at the door. A soldier opened it and saluted: "The prisoner is very
bad, sir," said he, "I fancy he must be half out of his mind, he talks
such stuff, and if not well watched he is like enough to make away with
himself."

Greatly shocked at this announcement the baron stepped forward hastily
and entered the mean room, where the prisoner was lying on a pallet
groaning most distressingly. Summoning up all his self-command the
visitor approached the bed, but instantly started back exclaiming,
"What is this?"

"Ah, sir," said the attendant, "he has been like this, off and on, ever