"I am glad you realise that, monsieur; and we will have another race—soon, I hope."
"In that case, mademoiselle, I will not stake anything, for I am certain which horse will win." And with these words I was dropping back once more to my old place when she stayed me, asking why I did not ride by her side.
"I feared to intrude, mademoiselle; it is no longer the furrier's niece
I escort."
She turned red. "Ah, monsieur, I am ashamed of my deceit; but there are things I cannot explain now that forced me to play a part."
"Let the matter rest, mademoiselle."
"I know I must have seemed ungrateful when I left you as I did; but believe me, monsieur, I can never forget the brave man who risked his life for me." And she held out her gloved hand, allowing it to rest in mine for a moment ere she withdrew it gently.
"I did what anyone else would have done. Perhaps, however, you would like to hear that I have made such arrangements as could be made for your dead servant."
"It is like you, monsieur, to remember that." And then there was a silence. After a little she asked almost timidly:
"Monsieur, amongst the prisoners taken by M. de Montluc was the Vicomte de Ganache. I have not been able to hear news of him, and I would give much to know——"
It was ever thus: De Ganache was ever first; and I answered, without letting her complete her speech: