Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-26
CHAPTER XVII.
Gabrielle Pleads.

Cealfng him nrSt IN the duchess apdit
ments; and she resolved TO go Immediately
to Malincourt to consult with Pascal.
But she found the duchess opposed to
this.
''If you go and then return to me. Gabri-
ellie 1t may provoke notice and start sus-
picion."
But must seeePascal." she urged.
Then safer to see him here. Let him
come as If to me- l have frequent mes
sengers from friends; and his coming will
cause no talk. He can come with mes
sage, say from the Count and Countess
dAuvaine, and no questions will be asked.
HE is known to some in the castle. NJ.
dc Probable, for instance, and others; and
recognition would be ruin.
at would be worse child, If a watch were
set on yourself, and so the way to the
prison quarters blocked If this gentleman
is loath to risk coming here, let 1t be known
that you are staying with me for a lew
days-as you have done beforehand let Luz
cette carry your messages. There is reason
for her passing to and fro, as you will need
many things for your stay here"
You are right; 1 VIII go and tell Luz
cette"
She was about to leave when Pauline re-
turned.
She had seen her father. she said, and
he had readily agreed to do anything that
was asked of him. He advised that the
best hour for making any attempt would
be about 10 O'Clock at night, as the guard
would be changed at IL. and they were al
WAYS less Vigilant in their last hour OF their
watch.
MY father says there will be a great
risk, miladi," said Pauline, land urges the
utmost caution. He declares it will be far
safer for all concerned If the prisoner
makes his escape by the window and avoids
the hazard of encountering any of the SOL
diers or servants in attempting to leave by
any other way.
1T could be DONE" said Gabrielle,
readily now that this Pascal can help
from outside L will send him word by
Lucette of the time. and tell him to ma
means of getting to the courtyard.
She hurried to Lucette and told her the
plan and the reasons why 1t was not DEEM
ed prudent for her to leave the duchess,
and they were discussing this when the
governor entered.
'You will know what 1 shall need for a
few days. Lucette," said Gabrielle, with
swift warning glance; land if l have for
il or even return for ii. How is Denys?
Much improved, but very weak. OF
course and fretting at his weakness.
II wish TO speak with you, mademol-
selle" interposed he governor.
II am remaining some days with the
duchess monsieur, and am sending In
structions in regard to matters at Malln-
court"
.'That is good Jews; it is as 1 would
have it"
zone thing more. Luecette. and the most
important of all-M de Probable is not to
be allowed to enter the maison until my
return"
THAT is a harsh injunction, mademoi-
selle''
Il am the mistress of Malincourt,. my
lord and am firmly resolved on the point.
Il have spoken with your uncle and
have convinced myself that he has had no
motive save that of serving your best in
terests."
AS head of my house. monsieur, it is
for me to say whom l count upon my side
and whom 1 deem against me. Never
again will speak to or see NJ. de Probable
] hold him for my worst enemy.
And what of me?' he asked quickly.
''You have done a bitter injustice and a
cruel wrong to an innocent and gallant
gentleman-but 1t is in your power to re-
pair 1t. VIII you speak the word that
will undo it?"
''Innocent? he carped. "Was it inno-
cent to steal among us in a false name
and character? Was It gallant to act such
a lie?"
He was forced into IT."
II believe he is in truth what he avowed
himself at the first-Gerard de Cobalt
but you yourself and M. de Probable
held 1t disproved"
THE letter may have been but trick.
like other things. He had deceived us as to
the flagrancy of that act OF his at Cambria;
and knowing it to be too vile to be pardon
ed, had this further lie enacted. meaning to
pass for some one else and SO save his
head But he Will not save it,"
You mean he will be tried for the
crime?"
Il mean he'll lose his head for IT, was
the blunt answer.
''You will not do this foul injustice" said
Gabrielle, with touch of Indignation.
who murders dies, mademoiselle; that
at least is law all over France and Nor
walk is no city of shelter
HE must not die: you cannot be so
cruel" Half protest, half entreaty was In
her tone, and the governor paused and bent
his eyes upon her before he replied.
For your sake more than any others.
Il is best that he should"
II do not understand YOU cried Ga
brielle with a catch of the breath as In
fear.
"He has impressed you 30 deeply that.
were his life spared and his liberty given
to him. you would never be safe from him.
lie is murderer. a man of the vilest life,
who would never cease to prosecute you
after what has passed"
Again you make the strange suggestion
that this is done for my sake" said Ga
brielle.
"And IT is true, Gabrielle. Were 1t not
for you, the prisoner might go free this
moment" Every word spoken was now
chosen to bring him nearer to his object.
But Il he be the unworthy man you say,
do you hold me too weak to Withstand his
evil infuence?"
dom rests on you.
In palmer words?'
Consent to do as / have asked you and
the mans fate is for you to determine. AS
my wife, Gabrielle, your highest wish would
be my law
"And If l still refuse?'
His answer was a shrug of the Shout
ders and a lifting of the hands He looked
for another storm to burst, and was sur
prised when Gabrielle remained quiet cold
and thoughtful. He felt the strength or
the weapon he welded and was glad,
She paused as If In deep distress and fear,
and sighed as she asked:
do you think such a union as you sug-
gest could bring happiness to either or u.s.
or having such a beginning could end In
aught but ruin TO all?
II love you. Gabrielle; that Will suffice Tor
ALL" he declared passionately-
Gabrielle had not hoped to move him, ana
his decision stirred no surprise. she nad
spoken only TO disarm his suspicion so that
time might be gained, and now began TO
let her alarm make itself evident.
HE must not die; he must not, she SAID,
after a pause.
You can save him by word
Il must have time. l have told you
love him: and 1 swear to you that II he
were to die now / could not--nay, would
not-survive him. would take my own
life. NV God. 1 could not bear 1t yet
she cried, wildly and vehemently.
He had not looked for this; and the
thought, impressed as IT was by the con-
viction that she was in deadly earnest,
alarmed him and kept him silent: Before
he could find any words TO reply she con-
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