How different to gentle, shy Cécile!
Yet the young Count had nothing but reverence and admiration in his heart as he looked into the beautiful face animated with that kindred courage which made of her sweet comrade as well as fair lady. But Michael Berrington's brow was knit in a frown of perplexity.
"It is impossible, Mistress Gabrielle," he said. "How could you journey thither alone and unattended, even if there were not a hundred other dangers?"
"Dangers!" she scoffed, flushing. "How can one talk of dangers after the news you bring?"
Her eyes challenged him.
"Did you not yourself tell me that honour is above everything?" she demanded.
"A man's honour——"
"You are scarcely complimentary, Mr. Berrington. I see you find that of a woman poor stuff which needs no defending."
"Mistress, indeed you wholly mistake——"
"Besides, I shall not go alone," she added, with a smile succeeding the frown. "You will both be with me."