Mr. Morris looked at the man keenly.
"And suppose this thing were done—I can rely upon you?"
"Absolutely. Attend a moment," he said, and, going back to where Danton still sat at his desk, he spoke with him in low and earnest tones. From where Mr. Morris stood he could see Danton's expression change from sternness and anger to astonishment and interest. In a few moments, with a low exclamation, he got up and, followed by Bertrand, came toward Mr. Morris.
"Bertrand has just told me facts which alter this case—which impel me to aid Monsieur d'Azay if possible," he said; and then, turning to Adrienne, who, pale with anxiety and terror, had risen from her seat and drawn near, he went on: "I will use all my power to be of service to the wife of the man who once showed a courtesy to mine." At his words the girl drew back and blushed deeply over her whole fair face. "I swore that I would reward him if possible, and I do so to-day. I also swore to reward his companion, Monsieur de Beaufort—the time is not yet come for that, but it will," and he smiled in so terrible a fashion that Adrienne could have cried out in fear. The fierce malignity of his look so filled Mr. Morris with disgust that he could scarce bear to speak to him.
"We will return at six," he said, at length, and leading Adrienne to the door that the painful interview might end.
"At six," said Danton.
They made their way out and found Mr. Morris's coach. In the carriage the courage which had sustained the young girl gave way.
Mr. Morris laid a kindly hand upon her arm. "Be calm. A way is found to save d'Azay, and surely it is no great trial to become an American subject," he said, smiling a little and looking keenly at Adrienne.
"I do not know how I shall dare to ask this great sacrifice of him," said she, in a low tone. "True, he risked his life for d'Azay, but that is not so great a sacrifice as to marry a woman he does not love."
"I think he does love you still," said Mr. Morris, very gently. "He is not like some of us—he is not one to forget easily. He is silent and constant. He has told me that he loved you."