Closing and fastening the casement, he ran down to his room.
Claire was standing there, with Pierre by her side.

She gave a low cry as he entered, alone.
"My father!" she exclaimed.
"God has taken him," Philip said, "as He has taken many others tonight.

He died painlessly, mademoiselle, by a shot from below." Claire sank into a chair, and covered her face with her hands.
"His will be done," she said, in a low but firm voice, as she looked up a minute later.

"We are all in His hands, and can die but once.

Will they soon come ?" "I trust not," Philip said.