"And why here?"

"Because being as I thought the quarters of the Commanding-Officer it
would be the last place in Grenoble where it would be sought."

"And where did you hide it?"

"Back of one of the drawers in the cupboard yonder."

"And how did you know of the place?"

"I was stationed here when I first joined the regiment. The chateau
was untenanted. I rambled all over it. I explored its nooks and
corners. I discovered that secret hiding place by chance and now the
Eagle is there."

"And there it shall remain until it is discovered or until you give me
leave to produce it," said the girl firmly.

"I have your promise?"

"You know well that I shall keep it."

"I thank you, mademoiselle. Twice you have saved my life and now, what
is more to me than life, the emblem of my faith as a soldier, the honor
of my regiment."

"But why keep it, this Eagle, at all," asked the girl, "and run this
risk?"

"It may be needed again."

"But by whom?"

"The Emperor."

"The name is forbid."

"But the man is not."

"Ah, you think he will return?"

"I do."

"And when?"

"Mademoiselle has all my secrets. I am in her power absolutely. Why
keep anything from her?"

"Why, indeed?" assented the woman, thrilling to the acknowledgment of
her power over the man she loved as any woman would.

"When the violets bloom again," said the young man, bowing. "Now,
mademoiselle, I am at your service," he resumed as she stared at him.

"At my service? What do you mean?"

"You have caught me here in your room. You have only to call out to
summon assistance. I shall be removed from your pathway forever."

"But the Eagle?"

"I shall find means before I die to tell someone where to look for it
if it should be needed."

"And I am to condemn you to death?"

"Why not?" said the young man. "I only lived to bring it back. I
never dreamed that I was to have the happiness of seeing you again."

"Happiness? This anguish?" murmured the young woman in daring
self-revelation.

She had forgot the hour, her dress, the strangeness of the situation,
the awful impropriety of it all, the possibility of discovery. She
only saw the man she loved. She saw how he loved her. She hung upon
his words, and would fain hear more--more!

"My God!" he responded with a sort of fierce pride that was almost
arrogant. "Although I was born a peasant, mademoiselle, not the finest
gentleman in France or England could love you as I