She caught sight of an official-looking document, bearing the motto and seal of the Republic of France, and of her own name and Percy's written thereon in full.
"It is perfectly en regle, I assure you," continued Chauvelin, "and only awaits my signature." He now took up another paper which looked like a long closely-written letter.

Marguerite watched his every movement, for instinct told her that the supreme moment had come.

There was a look of almost superhuman cruelty and malice in the little Frenchman's eyes as he fixed them on the impassive figure of Sir Percy, the while with slightly trembling hands he fingered that piece of paper and smoothed out its creases with loving care.
"I am quite prepared to sign the order for your release, Lady Blakeney," he said, keeping his gaze still keenly fixed upon Sir Percy.

"When it is signed you will understand that our measures against the citizens of Boulogne will no longer hold good, and that on the contrary, the general amnesty and free pardon will come into force." "Yes, I understand that," she replied.
"And all that will come to pass, Lady Blakeney, the moment Sir Percy will write me in his own hand a letter, in accordance with the draft which I have prepared, and sign it with his name.
"Shall I read it to you ?" he asked.
"If you please." "You will see how simple it all is....

A mere matter of form....