I came from Mortagne at your father's request, with certain messages, for yourself, mademoiselle, and for Marie--if Madame is Marie." "Yes," replied the grim voice in the doorway.

"Madame is Marie." Loo had turned toward her.

It seemed his happy fate to be able to disarm antagonism at the first pass.

He looked at Marie and smiled; and slowly, unwillingly, her grim face relaxed.
"Well," he said, "you are not to expect Monsieur le Marquis to-night, nor yet, for some time to come.

For he will go on to Bordeaux, where he can obtain skilled treatment for his injured ankle, and remain there until he can put his foot to the ground.