“I have not yet undressed,” she said, and threw open the door. “What is wrong, monsieur?”
“The house is being surrounded by the Blues,” I said rapidly. “But mademoiselle you must put on a heavier gown than that and stouter shoes. We may have to flee—to hide in the woods—and the night is cold.”
“Very well, monsieur,” she answered; and my heart thrilled again at the calmness of her tone. “I shall be ready in a moment.”
“When you have finished,” I said, “blow out your light as though you were retiring. Then wait for me here at your door with your maid——”
“My maid has disappeared,” she interrupted.
“Disappeared?”
“At least I cannot find her. No one answers the bell.”
“So much the better,” I assured her, though my heart was heavy with foreboding. “The smaller the party the greater our chance of escape. Which is M. le Comte’s apartment?”
“At the end of the corridor.”
“I shall return at once,” I said, seized her hand, kissed it and passed on.