"Mme. de Maufant," said a voice at the window, "come forth. It is I,
Pierre Benoist. I bring a message from your husband."

"Wait an instant, Benoist," answered the lady, unalarmed, "I will let
you in."

She went to the door, and gave admittance to two men in blouses. While
one conversed with Mme. de Maufant, the other advanced to her sister,
and, without taking heed of Le Gallais, addressed her in courtly tones,
holding his fur cap in his hand, his brown hair fell down upon his
shoulders.

"Fear nothing, bright pearl of Jersey," said the stranger. "A traveller
who has heard of your charms asks leave to prove them."

"Marguerite!" whispered Le Gallais on the other side, "be careful, it is
the king. I know his face. I have seen him many times in church."

Marguerite slipped to the ground on her knees. "Ah, sir," she said,
imploringly, "the honour that you do us may cost your life. Your enemies
are at hand. Perhaps the house is already surrounded. Ah, heaven! put up
your hair!" So saying she aided the smiling young king to restore his
disguise, whilst Alain, with a sudden impulse, threw himself upon
Benoist, whom he gagged and pinioned almost before the rascal could
utter a sound.

Charles, meanwhile not unwilling to wait the conclusion of the
adventure, retired by a back door, followed by Rose, who showed him into
the kitchen. The barking of the dog was at the same moment renewed, and
other footsteps and voices were heard further from the house, which was