"Holy Mother of God, give us counsel."
"To-night," the gentleman went on, "I will be in your house."
"How?" she asked, very simply.
They were in such great peril that their fondest words seemed bereft of tenderness.
"I am going this evening to propose myself as an apprentice to Maître Cornélius, the King's treasurer. I have succeeded in obtaining a letter of introduction which will secure his receiving me. His house is close to yours. Once under that old rascal's roof, by the help of a silken ladder I can find my way to your rooms."
"Oh!" cried she, petrified with dismay, "if you love me, do not go to Maître Cornélius."
"Why!" cried he, clasping her to his heart with all the strength of his youth. "Then you love me?"
"Yes," said she. "Are you not my only hope? You are a gentleman; I place my honor in your hands. And indeed," she went on with dignified confidence, "I am too unfortunate for you co betray my trust. But to what end is all this? Go, leave me to die rather than take up your abode with Cornélius. Do you not know that all his apprentices——"
"Have been hanged?" said the gentleman, laughing. "Do you suppose that his treasure tempts me?"
"Nay, nay, do not go there; you will be the victim of some sorcery."