For what could escape those hard keen eyes, which swept the room, saw all, and seemed to see nothing--those eyes in which there dwelt even now a glint of cruel humour?
He might deceive others, but she who panted within his grasp, as the wild bird palpitates in the hand of the fowler, was not deceived! He saw, he knew! although, as he bowed, and smiling, stood upright, he looked only at her.
"I expected to be with you before this," he said courteously, "but I have been detained.

First, Mademoiselle, by some of your friends, who were reluctant to part with me; then by some of your enemies, who, finding me in no handsome case, took me for a Huguenot escaped from the river, and drove me to shifts to get clear of them.

However, now I am come, I have news." "News ?" she muttered with dry lips.

It could hardly be good news.
"Yes, Mademoiselle, of M.de Tignonville," he answered.

"I have little doubt that I shall be able to produce him this evening, and so to satisfy one of your scruples.