"Ah!" cried the young man, "order me to do so and I will kill him. You
will see me to-night."

"I was wise to destroy that drug," she said in a voice that was faint
with the pleasure of finding herself so loved. "The fear of awakening
my husband will save us from ourselves."

"I pledge you my life," said the young man, pressing her hand.

"If the king is willing, the pope can annul my marriage. We will then
be united," she said, giving him a look that was full of delightful
hopes.

"Monseigneur comes!" cried the page, rushing in.

Instantly the young nobleman, surprised at the short time he had
gained with his mistress and wondering at the celerity of the count,
snatched a kiss, which was not refused.

"To-night!" he said, slipping hastily from the chapel.

Thanks to the darkness, he reached the great portal safely, gliding
from column to column in the long shadows which they cast athwart the
nave. An old canon suddenly issued from the confessional, came to the
side of the countess and closed the iron railing before which the page
was marching gravely up and down with the air of a watchman.

A strong light now announced the coming of the count. Accompanied by
several friends and by servants bearing torches, he hurried forward, a
naked sword in hand. His gloomy eyes seemed to pierce the shadows and