“It is my nature, too,” he said. “Only I am not so easily frightened. Permit me to remind you, M. le Comte,” he added, “that there is no time to lose.”
His master controlled his emotion by a mighty effort.
“You are right,” he said. “We must get away.”
“There is a break in the line of sentries,” I suggested. “Perhaps we can get through;” but my heart fell as I thought how nearly impossible it was.
“At least we can try. Do you get Charlotte, monsieur. I will bring madame.”
I sped along the corridor, pausing only an instant at my room to snatch up sword and pistols and ammunition-pouch. Mlle. de Chambray was awaiting me, wrapped to the chin in a dark cloak, more beautiful than ever.
“I am ready, monsieur,” she murmured, her eyes shining like twin stars.
“There is yet a chance,” I said. “Come;” and I took her hand. “I love you!” I whispered as we sped down the corridor together. “Whatever happens to me to-night, remember—I love you!”
She replied with a pressure of the fingers and a little tremulous smile.
“I shall remember,” she said softly. “Is our case, then, so very desperate?”