could not continue. But presently in a low voice, "I have heard," she
went on, "what you said, Monsieur, after I lost consciousness."

"Yes?" he said; and was silent. Nor did he lose his watchful look.

"I am obliged to you for your thought of me," she continued in a faint
voice, "and I shall be still further obliged--I speak to you thus quickly
and thus early--if you will grant me a somewhat longer time."

"Do you mean--if I will postpone our marriage?"

"Yes, Monsieur."

"It is impossible!"

"Do not say that," she cried, raising her voice impulsively. "I appeal
to your generosity. And for a short, a very short, time only."

"It is impossible," he answered quietly. "And for reasons, Mademoiselle.
In the first place, I can more easily protect my wife. In the second, I
am even now summoned to the Louvre, and should be on my way thither. By
to-morrow evening, unless I am mistaken in the business on which I am
required, I shall be on my way to a distant province with royal letters.
It is essential that our marriage take place before I go."

"Why?" she asked stubbornly.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Why?" he repeated. "Can you ask,
Mademoiselle, after the events of last night? Because, if you please, I
do not wish to share the fate of M. de Tignonville. Because in these