CHAPTER IX.
An Unparalleled Insult.
I was thoughtful as I walked across the _place_ in front of the church in the full glare of the afternoon sun.

It was past four o'clock; the town was more lively, as folk, their day's work finished, came out to take their ease and filled the streets and the _cafs_.

I felt that I also had done something like a day's work; but my task was not complete till I had lodged my precious trust safely in the keeping of the duchess.
There was, however, still time to spare, and I sat down at a _caf_ and ordered some coffee.

While it was being brought my thoughts played round Marie Delhasse.

I doubted whether I disliked her for being tempted, or liked her for resisting at the last; at any rate, I was glad to have helped her a little.