"I have news I should have given before that will interest you, madame--something you ought to know--of M. de Lorgnac."
"Is it really of importance?"
"I think so. It will remain for you to decide."
"Then what is it, monsieur?"
"I cannot well tell you here. We will let them go onward, and ride slowly behind."
I agreed silently, and we soon found ourselves at a little distance from the party. We were descending the wooded valley of the Briance, and a turn in the forest road left us alone. Then de Clermont, who had up to now remained silent, began abruptly:
"Madame, it has been given to me to find out the business on which M. de Lorgnac is engaged, and over which you have been sacrificed. You are a brave woman--the bravest I have ever met--and I know you will bear with the bluntness of my speech, for this is no time to beat about the bush."
"Monsieur, it does not concern me on what business M. de Lorgnac is engaged. I only ask and pray God to give me some refuge where I may never see him again."
"Hear me a moment. I think it does concern you, and vitally too."
"Then what is it?"