Etienne is Duc de Nivron, and you, my child, are the daughter of a poor doctor." "My father swore to contradict me in nothing," said Etienne, calmly.
"He swore to me also to consent to all I might do in finding you a wife," replied the doctor; "but suppose that he does not keep his promises ?" Etienne sat down, as if overcome.
"The sea was dark to-night," he said, after a moment's silence.
"If you could ride a horse, monseigneur," said Beauvouloir, "I should tell you to fly with Gabrielle this very evening.

I know you both, and I know that any other marriage would be fatal to you.

The duke would certainly fling me into a dungeon and leave me there for the rest of my days when he heard of your flight; and I should die joyfully if my death secured your happiness.

But alas! to mount a horse would risk your life and that of Gabrielle.

We must face your father's anger here." "Here!" repeated Etienne.
"We have been betrayed by some one in the chateau who has stirred your father's wrath against us," continued Beauvouloir.
"Let us throw ourselves together into the sea," said Etienne to Gabrielle, leaning down to the ear of the young girl who was kneeling beside him.
She bowed her head, smiling.