Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-09-02
CHAPTER VII.
UNMASKED.

UNMASKED.
VOW do | reverently thank God
| M that by his mercy was strong
| enough to take the course
adopted. for had not done SO
| | know not what had been my fate.
On the surface the impulse on which
had acted seemed foolish and Ill ad,
| vised, yet when think over all calm
ly now. and especially Of the circum'
stances that led to my meeting with
| NJ. de Norreys and the events which
followed. am sure and confident that
the merciful power which had so far
watched over me had heard my pray.
ers and answered them. At the mo
ment. however, l did not know one
thing Of this. My one idea was to try.
if possible. to enlist the Englishman
on my side, and If this was not to be
then l knew not what ! should do.
though the most desperate resolves
were rioting in my brain. was too
excited to rest. but bath. change of
toilet and a little food refreshed me
and steadied my nerves. and then sat
for space by the open window Of my
small room to try to collect myself
for my interview with NJ. de Norreys.
The clouds seemed to have passed
away. though far behind over the
mountains there was gray bank that
showed that the storm was lowering
ha 90 In, r.
full. uncertain gusts. Below me La
lande was attending to the horses, and
bowshot or so beyond the garden Of
the inn undcr some walnut trees saw
what had not noticed before. and that
was small encampment of lances.
This did not tend to reassure me. and
if | had any doubts as to whom the
troops belonged they were set at rest
by the sight Of Norreys mounted on
powerful black horse riding slowly to
ward the Inn. evidently with view
Of keeping his appointment with me. |
had tried to set out in my mind what |
would say to him. but each effort
seemed to be worse than the other. and
at last | determined to simply throw
myself on his chivalry and stand the
hazard of the result.
At one time thought that we might
perhaps make dash for it and escape.
but even could see that our wearied
horses would not have chance
against fresh ones. and If it camo to a
struggle we had but one sword to de-
pend upon-a brave one. it is true, but
what could one poor man do against
ten? No, there was no way but the
one way, the idea Of which had come
so suddenly to me. Now ! heard Nor
reys dismounting at the door of the
Inn, and after a moments hesitation
took my courage in both hands and
stepped down to meet him. He was
standing in the little parlor. his back
to the light. as | entered. so that |
could not see the expression OF his
face. but he bowed. thought stittly on
my coming in and handed me one Of
the rough chairs in the room. saying
as he did so: al trust have not kept
you waiting. madame was delayed
little longer than expected with my
men. as have much to arrange for
The last words. measured out In his
prim. formal speech. appeared to me
to convey q hint to be quick with my
business and as natural result all
but took away the power of saying
anything from me. mastering up cour.
age, however, took the chair he Of,
fered, saying as | did so. "Will you
not be seated. monsieur"
THANK you" came the answer in the
same set tone. and then he fixed his
eyes on me with grave attention. In
which. however. there was mingled. as
thought. much repressed curiosity.
M. de Norreys." began desperate
". you cannot but be aware that !
fully understand why you are here"
He started slightly. but recovered
himself at once. though he said moth
Ing.
And, monsieur" went on. 81 have
come to throw myself on your mercy.
Monsieur. you look gentleman. what
object can you gain by carrying out
your orders against poor. weak wo-
man, whose only end is to hide herself
from the world? | have done no
wrong. monsieur. and II you knew my
story you would pity me. ask you as
gentleman. as a man OF honor"
MADAME" he interrupted. genuine
amaze in his voice. IL do not under
stand. AS far as am concerned. you
are as free as air. know you to be
the wife of my friend De Lorgnac. and
my only regret is that l am unable to
offer you my escort
"Say that again. monsieur. Do you
mean your business here has nothing
to do with me?
Absolutely nothing, madame. an
afraid you have alarmed yourself need
lessly."
"But NJ. de Clermont told me. III
said you had gone to Perigueu1 to hav'
me delivered over to my husband"
Madame, 1 know Of no necessity TO
doing so, and If l was not certain tina
you must be mistaken l would say tina
NJ. de Clermont deceived you"
81 tell you he did not. He showed m
the dispatch with the queens cipher OF
It and asked me to read it Monsieur
listen. He did not lie, and / shall tel
you why. 1t is you who deceive III
and are playing with me. Wait, mon
sieur."
A flicker of a smile passed over hi
face and shone in his eyes, but he al
swered simply:
81 am attention; but, madame. thin
before you tell me things which pei
haps I ought not to know"
"Let me be the judge Of that, and
| Ill, chou, vou mOnsiprr that IL is use