"
Marie gave him a look that was far from angry, and he added: "You have
my secret, but I have not yours."
The alabaster brow appeared to darken at these words; she cast a look
of annoyance on the young chieftain, and answered, hastily: "Tell you
my secret? Never!"
In love every word, every glance has the eloquence of the moment; but
on this occasion Mademoiselle de Verneuil's exclamation revealed
nothing, and, clever as Montauran might be, its secret was
impenetrable to him, though the tones of her voice betrayed some
extraordinary and unusual emotion which piqued his curiosity.
"You have a singular way of dispelling suspicion," he said.
"Do you still suspect me?" she replied, looking him in the eye, as if
to say, "What rights have you over me?"
"Mademoiselle," said the young man, in a voice that was submissive and
yet firm, "the authority you exercise over Republican troops, this
escort--"
"Ah, that reminds me! My escort and I," she asked, in a slightly
satirical tone, "your protectors, in short,--will they be safe here?"
"Yes, on the word of a gentleman. Whoever you be, you and your party
have nothing to fear in my house."
The promise was made with so loyal and generous an air and manner that
Mademoiselle de Verneuil felt absolutely secure as to the safety of
the Republican soldiers. She was about to speak when Madame du Gua's
approach silenced her.
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