The Duke stood before them.
Esperance uttered one cry and fell in a faint.
The Duke started forward to catch her, but Genevieve repulsed him.
"It is a cowardly trick you have played on us, sir. I understand now that we did not lose our way but were duped by your orders."
As she spoke, she was trying to support Esperance, but almost falling herself under the weight of the inert body. She cried at her own impotence, but she was obliged to accept the Duke's help to get Esperance as far as the marble bench.
"Try," she said holding out Esperance's tiny handkerchief, "to get me a little water."
"Instantly, Mademoiselle … there is a fountain near at hand."
When he came back Genevieve moistened the poor child's temples. The
Duke was very pale.
"Mademoiselle, believe me that I am greatly upset at what has happened. I had no idea…!"
"I shall be very glad to excuse you. Esperance looks a little better, had you not better go away?"