It is essential that our marriage take place before I go."
"Why?" she asked stubbornly.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Why?" he repeated. "Can you ask,
Mademoiselle, after the events of last night? Because, if you please, I
do not wish to share the fate of M. de Tignonville. Because in these
days life is uncertain, and death too certain. Because it was our turn
last night, and it may be the turn of your friends--to-morrow night!"
"Then some have escaped?" she cried.
He smiled. "I am glad to find you so shrewd," he replied. "In an honest
wife it is an excellent quality. Yes, Mademoiselle; one or two."
"Who? Who? I pray you tell me."
"M. de Montgomery, who slept beyond the river, for one; and the Vidame,
and some with him. M. de Biron, whom I count a Huguenot, and who holds
the Arsenal in the King's teeth, for another. And a few more. Enough,
in a word, Mademoiselle, to keep us wakeful. It is impossible,
therefore, for me to postpone the fulfilment of your promise."
"A promise on conditions!" she retorted, in rage that she could win no
more. And every line of her splendid figure, every tone of her voice
flamed sudden, hot rebellion. "I do not go for nothing! You gave me the
lives of all in the house, Monsieur! Of all!" she repeated with passion.
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