Under the suasion of his words she grew calm again; then, suddenly, a fear stirred her once more in that place where she had known naught but fears.
"Why are you here, monsieur?
You have come into danger again ?" "No, no," he laughed.

"These are my own men at least, for the time being.

I am come in power this time, to administer justice.

What shall be done with this lady, mademoiselle ?" he asked; and knowing well the merciful sweetness of the girl's soul, he added, "Speak, now.

Her fate shall rest in your hands." Valerie looked at her enemy, and then her eyes strayed round the room and took stock of the men standing there in silence, of the Abbot who still remained at the table-head, a pale, scarce-interested spectator of this odd scene.
The change had come so abruptly.