“If only this danger were over; but the suspense is racking,” replied Gabrielle, with a sigh. “Any hour, any minute may bring the Governor to Malincourt with a strong force.”
“But are we not also strong?”
“In numbers, perhaps, strong enough; but our men are virtually without arms.”
“If he comes you can hold out as long as possible and then fly.”
“Do you think he would leave us a way out?”
“What do you mean, Gabrielle?”
“Why, that Malincourt would be surrounded, of course, and every chance of escape stopped. We have indeed been considering within the last hour, whether it wouldn’t be best to risk a flight and seek concealment in the city while there is yet time.”
“Of a truth, it is well I came back,” exclaimed Lucette excitedly, jumping up. “Where are your wits, Gabrielle? They say love sharpens them in a woman and blunts them in a man; but this does not look like it.”
“Lucette!” cried Gabrielle, flushing partly in confusion at the words and partly with the gathered infection of Lucette’s excitement.
“Yes, you ought to blush for your forgetfulness when the man you love is at such a dangerous pass.”