gold. Before I could answer she had laid it in my hard palm and
shut my hand upon it.

"Dieu!" she exclaimed, whispering, "I must return--I must hurry.
Remember, we did not find the ring."

I felt a great impulse to embrace her and confess my love. But I
was not quick enough. Before I could speak she had turned away and
was running. I called to her, but she did not turn or seem to hear
me. She and my opportunity were gone.

We stowed the prisoners in the big coach at the baroness, behind a
lively team of four. Then my horse and one for D'ri were brought
up.

"Do not forget," said the baroness, holding my hand, "you are
always welcome in my house. I hope, ma foi! that you will never
find happiness until you return."

The young ladies came not to the step where we were, but stood by
the count waving adieux. Louison had a merry smile and a pretty
word of French for me; Louise only a sober look that made me sad,
if it did not speak for the same feeling in her. The count was to
remain at the Hermitage, having sent to the chateau for a squad of
his armed retainers. They were to defend the house, if, by chance,
the British should renew their attack. Mr. Parish and his footman
and the general went with us, the former driving. D'ri and I rode
on behind as the coach went off at a gallop.

He was a great whip, that man David Parish, who had built a big