“Valérie!” he called, and I saw her sway forward into his arms with a little answering cry. No more I saw, for I turned my back, as I would have others do when I meet my love after long absence and many perils. Yet I could spare them but a moment.
“We must go,” I said, and touched Fronsac gently on the arm. “Come, Monsieur. For love you have a hundred to-morrows, but for escape only to-night.”
He swung around upon me, and I could see how his eyes were shining.
“Marsan,” he said out of a full heart, “I want you to know Mademoiselle de Cadillac—I must tell her how much we owe you.”
I looked into her eyes and saw love and joy flaming there. Verily, it was a good thing to have brought these two together!
“Valérie,” he added, “it is Marsan here who has saved us—who has devised this wonderful plan of escape——”
“It was not I at all, Mademoiselle,” I protested, but she silenced me with a little gesture.
“There!” she cried, and it was wonderful to see how fatigue and fear had slipped from her. “I quite know what to believe, M. le Marsan! Some time, perhaps, we may find a way to repay you.”
I bowed over the hand she gave me. Had I not known another, I might have found it in my heart to envy Fronsac.
“And I,” I said, “am happy in this chance to serve you. Besides, we have not yet escaped—we are not yet at the end of the journey. It is foolish to linger here. We must be going.”