I did not long remain in his company, and, deeming the time not yet ripe for disclosures, I said little in answer to his lengthy tirades, which had, I guessed, for scope to trap me into betraying the identity he but suspected.
It wanted a few minutes to noon as I left the room in which the old nobleman was confined, and by the door of which a trooper was stationed, musket on shoulder.

With every pulse a-throbbing at the thought of my approaching interview with Mademoiselle, I made my way below and out into the bright sunshine, the soldiers I chanced to meet saluting me as I passed them.
On the terrace I found Mademoiselle already awaiting me.

She was standing, as often I had seen her stand, with her back turned towards me and her elbows resting upon the balustrade.

But as my step sounded behind her, she turned, and stood gazing at me with a face so grief-stricken and pale that I burned to unmask and set her torturing fears at rest.

I doffed my hat and greeted her with a silent bow, which she contemptuously disregarded.
"My lieutenant tells me, Mademoiselle," said I in my counterfeited voice, "that it is your desire to bear Monsieur your father company upon this journey of his to Paris." "With your permission, sir," she answered in a choking voice.
"It is a matter for consideration, Mademoiselle," I pursued.