"Yes, or hiding-place if you will, for that is the true meaning of my coming. I would not have it known that I am in Vayenne for a while."
"Take the cloak, Lucille," said the Countess, lifting it from Christine's shoulders.
"Thank you; and Lucille, although it is a well-worn one, see that it is not thrown away, for it is borrowed," laughed Christine; and then when the girl had gone she went on. "I am travel-stained altogether, Elisabeth, and look strangely out of keeping with the comfort of this room. You will give me food presently, and perhaps lend me a gown; we are sufficiently of a size for that, I think. I have not had my clothes off for three nights."
"I do not understand," said Elisabeth.
"How should you? But you know that I went to Passey?"
"I have heard of that disaster and the death of the Duke," said Elisabeth.
"All Vayenne has heard of that, I suppose," said Christine.
"Such ill news travels quickly," was the answer; "if it is ill news altogether. Perhaps for the country's sake the death is not such an unfortunate one."
"You did not know Maurice," said Christine quietly.