“Monsieur de Vibrac!” and he had steadied his horse alongside of mine.

“As you perceive, monsieur,” I answered coldly, a fierce joy swelling in my heart at the thought that here was one, at least, upon whom my pent-up wrath could break.

“You were good enough, monsieur, to observe last night that you would like to hear a word from me.”

“Now, if you like,” and I looked him full in the face.

“Nothing would suit me better but for the Edict, and there are a dozen or more of Monsieur de Cipierre’s bees about, who would soon interrupt us.”

“You would rather not go on then?” I inquired with a sneer, and his brown cheek flushed.

“On the contrary, but the place is inconvenient. Would to-night suit you? There is a full moon.”

“Nothing better; but I must ask you the favor of making your time fit in with mine, as I have an engagement to-night.”

“And so have I, but at a somewhat late hour. Would nine suit you?”

“Excellently, monsieur, and there is good ground behind Ste. Croix, I believe.”