It was an "either--or" this time, uttered to HIM now. He thought
again of Marguerite Blakeney, and the terrible alternative he had put
before HER less than a year ago.

Well! he was prepared to take the risk. He would not fail again. He
was going to England under more favourable conditions this time. He
knew who the man was, whom he was bidden to lure to France and
to death.

And he returned Robespierre's threatening gaze boldly and
unflinchingly; then he prepared to go. He took up his hat and cloak,
opened the door and peered for a moment into the dark corridor,
wherein, in the far distance, the steps of a solitary sentinel could be
faintly heard: he put on his hat, turned to look once more into the
room where Robespierre stood quietly watching him, and went his
way.






Chapter IV : The Richmond Gala



It was perhaps the most brilliant September ever known in England,
where the last days of dying summer are nearly always golden and
beautiful.