CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BARGAIN STRUCK.
Claude, at the first sign of peril, had put himself between Anne and the door; and, had not the fear which seized the girl at the sight of Basterga robbed her of the power to think, she must have thrilled with a new and delicious sensation.

She, who had not for years known what it was to be sheltered behind another, was now to know the bliss of being protected.

Nor did her lover remain on the defensive.

It was he who challenged the intruders.
"What is it ?" he asked, as the Syndic crossed the threshold; which was darkened a moment later by the scholar's huge form.

"What is your business here, Messer Syndic, if it please you ?" "With you, none!" Blondel answered; and pausing a little within the door, he cast a look, cold and searching, round the apartment.