I assure you it is my fondest hope that Prince Valmond Napoleon will ever count me among his friends, in spite of all his enemies." She turned her shoulder on him, and took Valmond's hand with a pronounced obeisance, saying, "Adieu, sire" (she was never sorry she had said it), and passed from the room.

Valmond was about to follow her.
"Thank you, no; I will go to my carriage alone," she said, and he did not insist.
When she had gone he stood holding the door open, and looking at De la Riviere.

He was very pale; there was a menacing fire in his eyes.

The young Seigneur was ready for battle also.
"I am occupied, monsieur," said Valmond meaningly.
"I have come to warn you--" "The old song; I am occupied, monsieur." "Charlatan!" said De la Riviere, and took a step angrily towards him, for he was losing command of himself.
At that moment Parpon, who had been outside in the hall for a half-hour or more, stepped into the room, edged between the two, and looked up with a wicked, mocking leer at the young Seigneur.
"You have twenty-four hours to leave Pontiac," cried De la Riviere, as he left the room.
"My watch keeps different time, monsieur," said Valmond coolly, and closed the door..