“The countess?” Maurice cried eagerly, remembering the look of the night before and the tears which were in it.
“I will not mention any names. Suffice it to say that it was due to her pleading that I consented to play poker—and to let you fall into my arms. Come, to work,” holding out his hands.
First Maurice clasped the hand and wrung it. “Colonel, I do not want you to get into trouble on my account—”
“Go along with you! If you were really important,” in half a banter, “it would be altogether a different matter. As it is, you are more in the way than anything else, only Madame does not see it in that light. Come, at my wrists, and take your handkerchief and tie it over my mouth; make a complete job of it while you're at it.”
“But they'll wonder how I tied you—”
“By the book, the boy is quite willing to sit down and play poker with me till the escort comes! Don't trouble yourself about me; Madame has too much need of me to give me more than a slight rating. Hurry and be off, and remember that Beauvais has promised to push you off the board. Take the near path for the woods and strike northeast. If you run into any sentries it will be your own fault.”
“And the army?”
“The army? Who the devil has said anything about the army?”
“I heard it go past last night.”
“Humph! Keep to the right of the pass. Now, quick, before my conscience speaks above a whisper.”