down the stairs.

"But you, monsieur," said Diana, turning to Bussy, "who are you,
and how came you here?"

"Madame," said Bussy, opening the door, and kneeling before her,
"I am the man whose life you preserved. You cannot think that I
come to your house with any bad designs." As the light streamed
in, Diana recognized him at once.

"Ah! you here, monsieur," cried she, clasping her hands, "you
were here--you heard all?"

"Alas! yes, madame."

"But who are you? your name, monsieur?"

"Madame, I am Louis de Clermont, Comte de Bussy."

"Bussy! you are the brave Bussy!" cried Diana, filling with joy
the heart of the young man. "Ah! Gertrude!" cried she, turning
to her servant, who, hearing her mistress talking to some one,
had entered in terror, "Gertrude, I have no more to fear, for
from this time I place myself under the safeguard of the most
noble and loyal gentleman in France." Then holding out her hand
to Bussy.

"Rise, monsieur," said she, "I know who you are, now you must
know who I am."