"Elise!" The voice of the Marquis, who had hurriedly entered, rang out; changed. "Mon dieu! What is this?" In the dim light, an instant my lord stared hard at the man before him; then with drawn blade threw himself upon him.
CHAPTER XXXII
NEAR THE ALTAR
"Morbleu! Here's a madman!" Ere the Black Seigneur could unsheathe his sword, that of the Marquis had pierced slightly his shoulder. "Put up your blade, my Lord!" As quickly springing back and drawing his own, he held himself in an attitude of defense. "In this matter are we, or should we be—of a mind!"
"We!" My lord's weapon played in fierce curves and flashes; he laughed derisively.
"I am here to serve her ladyship—if I can!"
"You!" A rapid coup de tierce was the Marquis' reply. "You! Whose outlaws carried her off before! You are pleased to jest, Monsieur Bandit!"
"No jest, my Lord!" coolly. "Moreover, it is you who serve her ladyship ill at such a moment in—"
"Mon dieu! You instruct!"