Gerard looked very grave and Dubois smothered an oath in his moustache.
“We are going to pay a heavy price for our mistake in leaving Malincourt,” exclaimed Gerard. “Still, we can but make the attempt. Come, Gabrielle.”
“Monsieur, may I suggest?” put in Lucette hurriedly. “There is a chance that these searchers may not know Gabrielle. Let M. Pascal and me remain here to wait for them, playing your parts, while you hide somewhere in the house. When they find us, they may be satisfied to search no further than this room, and you will be free to leave when they have gone. If M. Pascal will?”
“It is well suggested,” declared Pascal. “If they will not know you, mademoiselle,” he added, with a quizzing glance.
“I do not know all the officers, monsieur,” she retorted.
Gerard and Gabrielle both protested against the plan on the ground of its danger to Lucette; but this was overborne, and the two were left alone, while Gerard, Gabrielle and Dubois went with Madame Babillon to an upper part of the house.
“Rather reversing the due order, this, Lucette,” said Pascal lightly.
“Due order?”
“Man and wife an hour or two back, and now we’re only betrothed, you see.”
“M. Pascal!” she cried, laughing and blushing.