For the present," he
continued, turning to La Tribe, "do you, sir, tell her that the gentleman
is below. Perhaps she will believe you. For you know him."
La Tribe looked at her sorrowfully; his heart bled for her. "I have seen
M. de Tignonville," he said. "And M. le Comte says truly. He is in the
same case with ourselves, a prisoner."
"You have seen him?" she wailed.
"I left him in the room below, when I mounted the stairs."
Count Hannibal laughed, the grim mocking laugh which seemed to revel in
the pain it inflicted.
"Will you have him for a witness?" he cried. "There could not be a
better, for he will not forget. Shall I fetch him?"
She bowed her head, shivering. "Spare me that," she said. And she
pressed her hands to her eyes while an uncontrollable shudder passed over
her frame. Then she stepped forward: "I am ready," she whispered. "Do
with me as you will!"
* * * * *
When they had all gone out and closed the door behind them, and the two
whom the minister had joined were left together, Count Hannibal continued
for a time to pace the room, his hands clasped at his back, and his head
sunk somewhat on his chest. His thoughts appeared to run in a new
channel, and one, strange to say, widely diverted from his bride and from
that which he had just done.
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