“You need not hesitate on account of me,” said Gerard with a smile.
“These soldiers here,” replied Gabrielle in a tone of alarm, as she pointed to a number of men who showed in the doorways. “See. I fear danger.”
“’Tis the hour for the change of guard, Gabrielle,” said de Proballe.
“I will not go yet,” she declared firmly.
“You cannot stay here, mademoiselle,” interposed the Governor bluntly.
“I will report to you all that passes, Gabrielle,” said de Proballe.
“I will not go,” she repeated.
“I think you had better,” urged Gerard.
“It must be as you will,” said de Proballe, when she shook her head resolutely. “Now that the men are here they will see that no violence is done. Our Gerard is so hasty, such a fire-eater, that he might be tempted to some fresh rashness which would be fatal to all settlement. Wait,” he said as if struck with a sudden thought. “It will serve the same purpose if you will give me your sword, Gerard.”
“That I will never do,” was the quick indignant response.