"Yes," she said quickly, "Mathilde in the guise of Brigitte. I have come from Madame the Countess."
"And where is she?" I asked eagerly.
"In the great tower."
"A prisoner?"
"Yes, and I with her. Fortunately there was nothing else to do with me, unless they killed me. So I am able to attend her."
"Faithful Mathilde! But why is this?"
"It is the fulfilment of the Count's threat in case Madame could not clear herself of that false charge."
"But the Count knew that Monsieur de Merri was coming here. I told him."
"Yes, Monsieur, but the Count would believe as much of your story as Captain Ferragant would choose to let him. Your very interest in Madame's fate has been new food for his jealousy."
"God forbid!"