There was something in his voice she had never heard in any voice before--something that to a woman was like a blow.

"Mademoiselle," he snarled, "is expecting news from Cahors, from her lover.

I have the honour to congratulate M.de Pavannes on his conquest." Ah! he had guessed it! As the words fell on the sleepy silence, an insult in themselves, I sprang to my feet, amazed and angry, yet astounded by his quickness of sight and wit.

He must have recognized the Pavannes badge at that distance.

"M.