"What precautions?"
"That you should have safe entry to my house; also, be safe in it. And yet," she added regretfully, "you will be so solitary and alone."
"It will not matter, so long as I find the means for our escape; yet what other precautions are needed?"
"Above all, that of your safety, since 'tis you alone who stand in danger; yet, still, some other precautions too. The Comtesse's following are all bestowed at the 'Kroon,' there being no place for them here. They must be warned to hold their peace until the Comtesse returns, as she may do--alone. And, further, there is that firebrand, Francbois. He cannot have the dust thrown in his eyes in one day. He must not know that, as you are gone, so, too, are we; or that we are going too. For that would arouse his suspicions once more, and suspicion with him would lead to deadly action. Also I must see old Karl, and bid him leave open a door in the Weiss Haus and in the stable too, and--and provide sustenance for you. Our knight," she added softly, "must not die for want of nourishment."
"You think of all--of all others but yourself," Bevill murmured.
"Ah, no! I think only that he who risks his life for me should have that life cared for by me." After which, since perhaps she did not desire that this portion of the subject should be pursued, she continued: "When do you purpose putting your plan in action? When will you commence seeking shelter in what will be but a dark, gloomy refuge?"
"At once--the sooner the better. If Karl can be warned by you to-day, then I will go to-night. If danger threatens from Francbois, it will not grow less by being given time to grow and thrive."
At this Sylvia was herself silent for a moment, as though wrapt in meditation. Then slowly she said:
"It may be best--very well it may. Francbois is away from home to-day; he sleeps sometimes at the Jesuit College----"
"The Jesuit College? Is he a Jesuit?"