_He_ keep conditions and you in his
power! He, Count Hannibal! But for the matter of that, and were he in
the mind to keep them, what are they? There are plenty of ministers. I
left one only this morning. I could lay my hand on one in five minutes.
He has only to find one, therefore--and to find me!"
"Yes, Monsieur," she cried, trembling with wounded pride, "it is for that
reason I implore you to go. The sooner you leave me, the sooner you
place yourself in a position of security, the happier for me! Every
moment that you spend here, you endanger both yourself and me!"
"If you will not be persuaded--"
"I shall not be persuaded," she answered firmly, "and you do but"--alas!
her pride began to break down, her voice to quiver, she looked piteously
at him--"by staying here make it harder for me to--to--"
"Hush!" cried Madame Carlat. "Hush!" And as they started and turned
towards her--she was at the end of the chamber by the door, almost out of
earshot--she raised a warning hand. "Listen!" she muttered, "some one
has entered the house."
"'Tis my messenger from Biron," Tignonville answered sullenly. And he
drew his cowl over his face, and, hiding his hands in his sleeves, moved
towards the door. But on the threshold he turned and held out his arms.
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