imself: "It is also my last day of youth and
joy and hope."

Gabrielle pressed her hands against her breasts for a moment, like one in
great dismay. The tears welled into her eyes. Then she gave a little moan
of wonder and protest, and sprang towards him with out-stretched hands.
"Do you not understand?" she cried. "Henri, Henri, I love you."

Lagardere grasped the out-stretched hands, and in another moment would
have caught the girl in his arms, but a dry, crackling laugh arrested
him. Gently restraining Gabrielle's advance, he turned his head and saw
standing upon the bridge surveying him and Gabrielle a sinister figure.
It was AEsop, returning from his stroll with Monsieur Peyrolles, who had
paused on the bridge in cynical amusement of what he conceived to be a
lovers' meeting between countryman and countrymaid, but whose face now
flushed with a sudden interest as he recognized the face of the man in
the gypsy habit.

Lagardere turned again to Gabrielle, and his face was calm and smiling.
"Go in-doors," he said, pleasantly, "I will join you by-and-by."

Gabrielle, in her turn, had glanced at the sinister figure on the
bridge, and, seeing the malevolence of its attitude, of its expression,
had drawn back with a faint cry. "Henri," she said--"Henri, who is that
watching us? He looks so evil."

Lagardere had recognized AEsop as instantly as AEsop had recognized
Lagardere. AEsop now came slowly towards them, addressing them mockingly:
"Do not let me disturb you. Life is brief, but love is briefer."

Lagardere again commanded Gabrielle: "Go in, child, at once."

"Are you in danger?" Gabrielle asked, fearfully.

Lagardere shook his head and repeated his command: "No. Go in at once.
Wait in your room until I come for you."

AEsop looked at him with raised eyebrows and a wicked grin. "Why banish
the lady? She might find my tale entertaining."

At an imperative signal from Lagardere, Gabrielle entered the Inn.
Lagardere then advanced towards AEsop, who watched him with folded arms
and his familiar malevolent smile. When they were quite close, AEsop
greeted Lagardere:

"So the rat has come to the trap at last. Lagardere in Paris--ha, ha!"

Lagardere looked at him ponderingly. "The thought amuses you."

AEsop's grin deepened. "Very much. Before nightfall you will be in
prison."

Lagardere seemed to deny him. "I think not. You carry a sword and can
use it. You shall fight for your life, like your fellow-assassins