"She knows us; she's gone to tell. We must run for it."
At this moment there arose from down the corridor piercing shriek on shriek, the howls of a young child frantic with rage and terror. At the same time sounded other different cries, wild, outlandish chattering.
"The baby! It's Toto! Oh, ciel!" Mme. de Mayenne gasped. "Help, mesdames!" She rushed from the room, Mme. de Montpensier at her heels, all the rest following after.
All, that is, but one. Mlle. de Montluc started as the rest, but at the threshold paused to let them pass. She flung the door to behind them, and ran back to monsieur, her face drawn with terror, her hand outstretched.
"Monsieur, monsieur!" she panted. "Go! you must go!"
He seized her hand in both of his.
"O Lorance! Lorance!"
She laid her left hand on his for emphasis.
"Go! go! An you love me, go!"
For answer he fell on his knees before her, covering those sweet hands with kisses.