"I know not," she replied. "Act as you think best, Monsieur. But do not endanger yourself. I must be gone now."
She hastened to join the maid, whose whereabouts were indicated by a low cough. I heard voices, and instantly crawled under the rose bushes, heedless of scratches. As the voices came down the walk, one of them turned out to be that of Captain Ferragant. There was but one other, which I took, from the talk which I heard later, to belong to a falconer or some such underling. The Captain addressed a few remarks to the Countess, as to her state of health and the beauty of the day, which she answered in low tones. Then he and his companion proceeded to walk about, talking continually, never getting entirely out of my hearing, and often coming so near that I could make out their words. It seemed that an endless length of time passed in this way. I heard no more of Madame and the maid. Finally the Captain and his man walked back toward the house. I rose, stretched my legs, and peered up and down the walk. It was deserted. What was I to do next? I naturally strolled toward the chateau. As I neared the door leading to Madame's apartments, out came Mathilde.
"I have been watching for you, Monsieur. Madame had to come in, to avoid suspicion. If you can get back to the terrace by the way you came down, I will go again and distract the attention of the guard."
"I can do that. But what of Madame? I must see her again. We must find some way to save her."
"Do what you can, Monsieur. If you think of anything, you know how to communicate with us by way of the windows. But lose no time now."
She hastened away to beguile the man on watch at the steps. When I heard her laughter, I sped over the grass to the foot of the bank. I clambered up, crossed the balustrade, went along the house, and entered the hall. Monsieur de Pepicot was just in the act of saying "Checkmate."
The Count's face turned a shade more ashen, and he looked unhappy. Presently he smiled, however, and said peevishly:
"Well, you must give me an opportunity of revenge. We must play another game."
"I shall be much honoured," said Monsieur de Pepicot. "But is there time to-day?"
"No; it will soon be supper time. But there will be time to-morrow. You shall stay here to-night."