"Let me judge. Tell me the whole plot."
"Mademoiselle, I came myself to-night, so that you might understand. In the hut yonder in the forest you accepted my service. The other night when I sent you a message which must have sounded strangely like a command, you sent me an answer, obedience and trust. Even as Jean gave it me I could see you smile at the promise to obey."
"I did not smile. I meant it. Witness that I am here to-night."
"And trust, did you mean that too?" asked Herrick.
"Yes."
"I am going to try your trust to the utmost limit. I cannot tell you the plot. I cannot tell you what I intend to do."
"Why not?"
"Do not ask me. I cannot answer."
"The trust is to be all on my side," said Christine slowly.
"And it may be strained to breaking point. You may—indeed, I fear you will—find it difficult to believe in me. I am here to-night to tell you so. For no duke am I doing this thing, but for you—you. There will be plenty of tongues to fill your ears with evil thoughts of me; then remember what I have said to-night. Circumstances have forced me into this part that I must play, circumstances and a woman—you."