Part 17 (2/2)

”At the door of his own house. There is a lantern over it.”

There was silence for some moments. The color, faded from Jeanne's face, and the tears came into her eyes. She forced them back with a great effort.

”There is the Vicomte de Morlieux,” she said, suddenly.

”Alas, mademoiselle, only last night he was the center of a yelling mob which pa.s.sed beneath these windows bearing him to the Temple. He is accused, I believe, of a.s.sisting the King's flight, and with showing courage when the Tuileries was attacked. Surely you understand your danger?”

Barrington had looked from one to the other as they spoke, admiring the woman's courage, wondering if it were necessary for Monsieur le Marquis to give her such precise information. He knew she was courageous, but was it wise to try her so severely as this?

”You have said the people remember,” Jeanne said slowly; ”they will recollect, then, that I have done something for the poor. I never thought to boast of my charity, but I will make capital out of it.”

”Unfortunately, the people do not remember good works so easily,”

Lafayette answered. ”Believe me, such faith is only grasping at a straw.”

”My faith is strong. I shall find a lodging in Paris. I have been a market woman already; if necessary, I can sink to a lower level. Of my own will I shall not leave Paris again until I have contrived to set Lucien Bruslart free.”

”He is not a prisoner, mademoiselle. I have already sent for him.”

”Is that safe?” asked Barrington, quickly. ”For you, I mean?”

”I think so. At any rate, it was necessary.”

”Do you say he is not a prisoner?” said Jeanne.

”He may be here at any moment,” said Lafayette.

”Have we been deceived?” Barrington exclaimed.

”I cannot tell,” Lafayette answered. ”It is true that Monsieur Bruslart was in the Conciergerie, but he speedily convinced the authorities that a mistake had been made. I believe he is considered a thorough patriot now.”

Jeanne looked at Barrington, who met her gaze unflinchingly.

”I have told you all I know,” he said quietly, answering the question in her eyes.

There was a silence which was broken by the heavy opening and closing of the street door.

”Doubtless that is Monsieur Bruslart,” said Lafayette. ”You would wish to be alone with him, mademoiselle, so we will leave you for a little while. I can only hope that his advice will support mine. You may count on me to do all I can to secure your safety.”

Barrington made no promise as he followed the Marquis from the room, but his eyes met Jeanne's again for a moment. A curious and sudden conviction came to her that she had at least one friend in Paris, who was able and willing to help her. She was encouraged and strengthened.

For an instant she seemed to feel the grasp of his hand as she had done when she ran beside him last night.

Lucien Bruslart's brain had worked busily since the message reached him.

He was glad Pauline had not been with him to hear it. She was such a jealous little termagant. He entered the room the moment after Lafayette and Barrington had left it by another door.

”Jeanne!”

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