"Believe me, I have already repented that such a thought was in my mind. Forgive me, and seek your own safety."
"Any other woman in the world may think or say what she will of me, and I shall not care," Herrick whispered.
Slowly she raised her eyes to his.
"So you looked at me, mademoiselle, in the Castle of Vayenne the other night, so you have looked at me in dreams since then. I would serve you to the death."
Lemasle burst suddenly into the hut. Talk of action excited him, and there were dangers ahead to appeal to him to the full.
"The horse is ready, Herrick—my horse. There is not a scratch upon him, for all the blows that were struck at him in the clearing. These good fellows, the charcoal-burners, have already a kettle bubbling over a fire in the shed without; you may scent the appetizing smell from here. Breakfast, and then——"
"But you are weak still," said Christine. "At least delay a day."
"I grow stronger every moment, mademoiselle. You have only to say you accept my service."
"I accept it for the Duke's sake," she answered, stretching out her hand; "for his sake and for my own."
There was a gentleness in her last words which made Lemasle glance quickly at them, but Herrick did not notice the look as he raised Christine's hand to his lips.