"Abducted?" she cried, "what are you saying? Urbain had fought a duel and had to flee, that is why I started in the middle of the night."
"It was necessary to tell you that, in order that you might leave willingly."
"O my God! could that be so? But, no, it was my protector, it was M. Touquet himself, who put me in the carriage."
"Yes, adorable Blanche, it was your protector, it was the honest Touquet who aided my plans and gave you up to my love."
The frightful truth flashed into her mind, her knees failed her, the color left her cheeks, and without uttering a single cry she was about to fall upon the floor. Happily the marquis received her in his arms, he laid her on the bed and rang the bell violently. Germain immediately appeared.
"Call someone, call for help," said the marquis, greatly agitated, "she has lost consciousness. Is there not a woman here in the château?"
"Pardon me, monseigneur." Germain called Marie, and the stout country girl came running.
"Give all your care to this young girl," said the marquis to the woman, "and do not leave her for an instant. If she is long in coming to her senses, send me word."
"Very well, monseigneur," said Marie, curtseying, and Villebelle left the room with Germain.
The marquis, fatigued by his rapid journey from Paris, threw himself upon a lounge as soon as he reached his apartment, and while Germain relieved him of his travelling dress he inquired as to what Blanche had said and done since her arrival.