"I have come to ask you," Claire resumed, "how it happens that I have heard nothing of you during the eight or ten days you have been here,—so that I should still know nothing as to who is governor of Île Saint-Georges, had not chance, or public rumor, informed me that it is the man who swore to me, barely twelve days since, that his disgrace was the best of good fortune, since it enabled him to devote his arm, his courage, his life, to the party to which I belong."
Nanon could not repress a movement, which made Canolles jump and Madame de Cambes turn her head.
"Pray, what was that?" she demanded.
"Nothing," Canolles replied; "one of the regular noises of this old room. There is no end to the dismal creaking and groaning here."
"If it is anything else," said Claire, laying her hand upon Canolles' arm, "be frank with me, baron, for you must realize the importance of this interview between us, when I decided to come myself to seek you."
Canolles wiped the perspiration from his brow, and tried to smile.
"Say on," said he.
"I reminded you a moment since of your promise, and asked you if you were ready to keep it."
"Alas, madame," said Canolles, "it has become impossible."
"Why so?"