I dashed, at last, into the quadrangle, and, throwing the reins to a gaping groom, I sprang up the steps.
"Has the Chevalier returned ?" I gasped breathlessly.
"Not yet, Monsieur," answered Guilbert with a tranquillity that made me desire to strangle him.

"Is Mademoiselle in the chateau ?" was my next question, mechanically asked.
"I saw her on the terrace some moments ago.

She has not since come within." Like one possessed I flew across the intervening room and out on to the terrace.

Genevieve and Andrea were walking there, deep in conversation.
At another time I might have cursed their lack of prudence.

At the moment I did not so much as remark it.
"Where is Mademoiselle de Canaples ?" I burst out.
They gazed at me, as much astounded by my question and the abruptness of it as by my apparent agitation.
"Has anything happened ?" inquired Genevieve, her blue eyes wide open.
"Yes--no; naught has happened.