Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-31

for US to get away Then by nightfall we
shall be back with the troops to read this
governor lesson.
So matters remained until the dawn.
When the light broke at last, the great
strength of the castle force was Immediate
ly apparent, spreading as it did all around
the maison in imposing numbers that filled
Gabrielle and Lucette with CONSERVATION.
Gabrielle was for instant flight, inleed,
but Gerard decided for some further delay.
I'VE have TO wait until the governor shall
have had time to give fresh instructions to
the captains of the city gates, or we cam
not get through.
Then Lucette suggested a serious objec-
ton.
Gabrielle is so well known that she will
be recognized at the gates, and although
she might pass. any one with her would be
at once suspected and stopped
Il am hoping that the gates will be open
to all" replied Gerard, land that no one
will be stopped. But she will be disguised.
We shall all be, in fact-Pascal and L as
monks
But if they are not open?'
and the disguises."
plain burghers or merchants dress would
be safest, with the monks gabardines car
risd for use in case of need. And these
could easily be furnished here in the
maison."
I'VE must have weapons, Lucette," said
Gerard.
to look like slaves or some part of your
merchandise. There is no difficulty there,
surely The real difficulty is Gabrielle's
face, l fear.
Il like the plan" was Pascafs emphatic
verdict. But l would have change IN
it Let Mile. Lucette and myself. if she
will trust herself to me, try to leave the
city first. If we are turned back or even
held by the guard it will be no grieyous
matter; and you and mademoiselle can see
how it fares with us. If we have to snow
the pass to get through we can go short
distance and l can return on the plea that
something has been forgotten, ana can
hand it to YOU
This scheme was discussed at length to
be finally adopted, and Gabrielle and Lu-
| cette were left to settle the best device
&, they could fashion to conceal what Lucette
! had termed the real difticulty-Gabrielle' S
| fate.
Lucette solved the problem by means of
| large hooded cloak, such as was not I'M
commonly worn by the burghers ana ner-
| chants wives in travelling. Drawn over the
! head and low down over the brow, it fast
ened under the chin, but little alteration
| by Lucette's deft fingers so arranged II
that much of the lower part of the face
| was also hidden, and when she was ready
| to start both Gerard and Pascal smiled
| at the little device.
"a burghers spouse to the life," exclaim-
| ed Pascal, whose irrepressible spirits were
as high as if they were all bent on picnic.
And on the pillion no one Will know NIL
| ladi of Mal!ncourt!
| Gerard was grave and anxious in his con-
| cerp for Gabrielle, and as they passed
| through the chapel, down into the crypt
! and along the moldy passage, scarce a
| word was spoken. But as soon as they
| emerged into the fresh air Pascal, who had
| gone on first to make sure no one was
about began to talk. He walked with Lu-
cette. Gerard and Gabrielle being ahead.
| I'VE mustn't look like funeral process
! sion, mademoiselie"
4 anxious for MI.
| Gerard is for Gabrielle. you, too. might be
| solemn, monsieur.
| He glanced at her and smiled.
| Hadn't we better settle the parts we
| mean to play?"
| What are they?'
| "As We don't want to quarrel, and I am
| plain burgher and you Madame Burgher,
| we might be husband and Wife
| ;t?'
1--WE heard of them before" he laughed
| drily But 1t would certainly be a mar
| riage of convenience"
| And many of those are but little more
| acting than this. But l think in such a
| case / should be a scold."
| II am afraid you would. but as my back
| will be to you when you're the pillion.
| | don't know that that will matter. How
| clear the roads are he said, breaking into
| earnestneSs for a moment. His eyes had
| been cast sharply in all directions. despite
| his laughing manner and words.
| We'll, let US hope the husband and wife
| Will set their two charges safely through.
| We shall reach Babillon's at any rate" he
| said soon afterward. as they came In sight