Dubois and Pascal went out and Gerard stayed a moment with Gabrielle, who had listened with intense interest to the discussion.
“So even Malincourt is not to be a refuge, Gerard,” she said.
“We are far from beaten yet. Have courage.”
“I have courage; but how bitterly I regret that moment of cowardice when I could not face that descent with you.”
“It would have made no difference. The watch was already set on the city walls and we should have come straight here with Pascal—when matters would have been at an even worse pass. We have gained hours that may prove invaluable.”
“You are brave to be so hopeful.”
“GOD BLESS YOU, GABRIELLE, FOR THIS FAITH OF YOURS”
“If it comes to regrets, Gabrielle, it is I who am to blame. Had I taken Dubois’ bold counsels and tried to seize the Castle when the Governor was in my power, I believe it would have been best. But at that rate, I may as well go farther back to the mad thing I did in coming to Morvaix in the way I chose.”
“True—all might have been very different,” she said, and glanced up and down again, and then smiled as she added, “And would you have me regret that too?”