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Twice before that night it had been shown that I was the more skilful swordsman, yet now he stood without the least sign of fear. If he had formerly retreated, on being disarmed, it was from situations in which he had figured ridiculously, and could not endure to remain before Mademoiselle de Varion. Also, he had sought to preserve his life, so that he might have revenge.
As soon as you see M. de Varion, assure him of the safety of his daughter. And now to horse!" "I am already on my way, monsieur!" And the good fellow ran from the chamber and down the stairs. In a few moments I heard the horses clattering out of the courtyard and over the bridge. Pleased at his zeal and swiftness, I stepped to the window to wave him a godspeed.
He looked at me with mingled vindictiveness and wonder, as if it were remarkable that I had uttered the thoughts that any one in his position must have had. Mechanically he took the pen. "What shall I write?" he muttered. "Write thus: To M. de Brissard, governor of Fleurier. Release M. de Varion immediately. Let him accompany the man who bears this and who brings a horse for him."
While I was thinking, my arms folded and my eyes turned to the ground at my feet, I suddenly heard a deep sigh very near me. I looked up and saw Mademoiselle de Varion standing before me in the moonlight. My gaze met hers, and in the delicious glow that her presence sent through me I forgot all in the world but her. "Mademoiselle!" I whispered, starting up and taking her hand.
The attempt would be a hazardous one, and I might fail, and I did not wish to raise hopes in her for disappointment. She should not learn of my intention until after its fulfillment. Having summoned the landlord and paid him, I waited for Mlle. de Varion to precede me out of the door.
And, oh, the sadness of the day When woman shows her treason! Her look of love is but a mask For plots that she is weaving. Alas, for those who fondly bask In smiles that are deceiving!" I thought of Mlle. d'Arency, but not for long; for suddenly Mlle. de Varion started up, as if awakened from a dream, and looked at me with an expression of unspeakable distress of mind. "Oh, monsieur!" she cried.
He lost color, as if it were a spirit that he saw, and, indeed, mademoiselle, motionless and pale, looked not unlike some beautiful being of another world. "Who are you?" asked La Chatre, in a startled tone. "It is I Mlle. de Varion." La Chatre promptly came to himself; but he looked somewhat confused, abashed, and irritated. "Mlle. de Varion, indeed!" he said.
I heard the governor say. "Par-dieu, where have I let a known Huguenot rest in peace in my provinces since the edicts have been proclaimed? And I have even made Catholics suffer for Showing a disposition to shield heretics. There was that gentleman of this very town " "M. de Varion," put in Montignac. "Ay, M. de Varion, a good Catholic.
With great interest I watched him now, knowing that he had devised the plan for my capture, had caused Mlle. de Varion to be sent on her mission against me, and had sent De Berquin on his mission against her. This march of the troops to Maury, also, was probably his doing, even though it did imply a change from the plan overheard by me, and confessed by mademoiselle.
"When she learns of her father's incarceration she will probably pester me with supplications for his release. See to it, Montignac, that this Mlle. de Varion be not suffered to approach me." My eavesdropping was again interrupted by the return of the inn-maid. On going out of the chamber this time, she closed the door.
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