"Thank you; and Lucille, although it is a well-worn one, see that it is not thrown away, for it is borrowed," laughed Christine; and then when the girl had gone she went on. "I am travel-stained altogether, Elisabeth, and look strangely out of keeping with the comfort of this room. You will give me food presently, and perhaps lend me a gown; we are sufficiently of a size for that, I think. I have not had my clothes off for three nights."
"How should you? But you know that I went to Passey?"
"I have heard of that disaster and the death of the Duke," said Elisabeth.
"All Vayenne has heard of that, I suppose," said Christine.
"Such ill news travels quickly," was the answer; "if it is ill news altogether. Perhaps for the country's sake the death is not such an unfortunate one."
"You did not know Maurice," said Christine quietly.
"You must not be angry with me," the Countess went on. "I am thinking of the country, not of the individual, and I am sorry for the poor boy. But I do not understand why you should want to be in Vayenne secretly."
"A duke is not murdered without some upheaval in the state," said Christine. "The Duke's partisans may be the next victims."
"For three days I have been hiding in a charcoal-burner's hut. I should hardly have done so without good reason. Captain Lemasle saved me when we were attacked in the woods, and only to-night have I ventured to the city. I came by the North Gate, since it was nearest to your house, entering in the company of some market women, borrowing one of their cloaks to conceal myself as much as possible. How Captain Lemasle has fared, I know not. Let me see him if he comes, Elisabeth. He knows where I was bent on seeking sanctuary."
"I know. He will be Duke," said Christine, interrupting her.
"And powerful to shield you," said Elisabeth.
"He sent an escort to shield Maurice. It failed miserably in its purpose. Maybe Felix thinks, as you do, that Maurice's death happened fortunately for Montvilliers."
"Even then, I do not understand your position, Christine. Is not Felix to know that you are in Vayenne?"
"Not yet. He will know presently. As you love me, Elisabeth, let my being here remain a secret at present."
"Have you never heard that Felix wishes to marry me?" Christine asked.