The Light That Lures

facing each other, one doing all the

quarreling with a market woman over some petty transaction regarding vegetables. I assure you, Monsieur de Lafayette, I never used such coarse language t

rsonal affairs in Virginia, and ended with the account of

the narrative, now he rose slowly, and, cr

protestations, you are not pleased to s

thought often; there is exactly that courage and daring in you which I then perceived would one day assert themselves. Richard Barrington has grown into just the kind of man I expected, and on that account I am delighted

e much altered when I hear him

nd gently pushed Ri

the end may be. On every side of us are enemies, but we are our own worse foes. We are split into factions, fighting and disputing with one another; the very worst o

y my sword

ment I am likely to be seized by some of the very men who have been my supporters, some trumped up ch

diate danger?" a

with the army. I came secretly, having affairs to settle in case of the worst happening. I may find it necessary to c

, that I would do a

f. By bringing mademoiselle here you have not brought her into a p

d my

ething. Now set your fertile brain to work, Richard

Brusl

e entered. She had washed the stains from her face, and changed

o you," said the Marquis. "I have been explaining to Monsieur Barrington that this

been without news at

lle, that you dislike me. You would call me a renegade from my order. It is true. I had dreams

said Jeanne, quietly. "Had I had my own way I should not have fled from Paris. We

k are powerless. Be advised. Let me, with the help of my friend here, do my best to get you safely back to Beauvais. After last night's adventure, you wi

ton informed you of my pu

ha

our advice, which I know is honestly given. I thank you for having me here, even for so short a time

frie

eur No

Conciergerie some

e Lentvil

e. "She was caught in her endeavor

aid Jeanne, but not

Seine remembered that he once called them idlers, accused them of

killed

own house. There i

ded from Jeanne's face, and the tears came into h

mte de Morlieux,"

ese windows bearing him to the Temple. He is accused, I believe, of assisting the King's flight

ge, wondering if it were necessary for Monsieur le Marquis to give her such precise i

recollect, then, that I have done something for the poor. I never

d works so easily," Lafayette answered. "Belie

oman already; if necessary, I can sink to a lower level. Of my own will I sh

mademoiselle. I have

d Barrington, quickl

t any rate, it

is not a prison

at any moment,

eceived?" Barri

as in the Conciergerie, but he speedily convinced the authorities that a

rington, who met her

," he said quietly, answeri

broken by the heavy opening

h him, mademoiselle, so we will leave you for a little while. I can only hope that his

sudden conviction came to her that she had at least one friend in Paris, who was able and willing to help her. She was encourag

auline had not been with him to hear it. She was such a jealous little termagant. He e

ann

me, Lucien.

moment he had no thought for Pauline. Yet he felt there was something

ourney. Last night, strangely enough, I heard of y

f me! At the

at I heard. It was a strange place

red. "It is not so very long since I left Pari

touched the tri-color which he wore. "You a

ety lay in appearing to be a good patriot, and grew serious as he told her with lowered voice that, und

did not send for you. Do you imagine I would

or me if you were in da

e was from the first very fearful for my safety, and to ease his mind I showed him the trinket and told him of

me into his possession? I t

they came while I was yet in bed. I had to dress with tw

uzet fo

ruly, Jeanne, you seem as hard to convince as if you were really a market wom

ze of deceit that full belief is difficult," s

friendship with me, so well do I play the part of patriot

knowledge of you is intimate

story, Jeanne. I ma

ure at the Lion d'Or and her rescue by Barrington. It was simply told, yet dramatically, and Lucien's face

ed teeth, it was the only thought in his mind at t

ased her. This was

heard of me last

e high road, and the star stolen; that no message could possibly have reached you at

eded," she

ut delay, Jeanne. These scoundrels

te has advised me to

eguard, but his day is over. He clings too persistently to a rock which the rising t

ust

ien started. He was inclined to resent such

loquence in the word as

ich has made this meeting

ned. "One gets skeptical in these days, and I have your safety to thin

them com

and Barrin

u were in Paris, monsieur,"

rget he has seen me. Under the circumstances it seemed

bt. You may certainly co

m fearful of delay. Doubtless you agree with me, Monsieur Bruslar

d for Beauvais. He is dead, poor fellow, but he has unwillingly played into the hands of others. For some days at least I believe it would be most dangerous for mademoise

suspicion how mademoiselle was rescued, and it is hardly possible there should not be, my house i

ucien answered. "She will be safe at my lod

u sure

you think I would run the r

own, Monsieur Bruslart, and we know that

other plan?" B

out of Paris at once

t your disposal, monsi

d help, but for all you have done for this lady. Jeanne, wh

hands, Lucie

house, I believe, Monsieur de Lafayette. We will go that

the way," answe

but I may be only too glad to do so presently. Naturally you will be anxious to kno

be mine," Barr

ll you show us th

oor, and Jeanne crossed

she said. "For what I did at Bea

mademoiselle. Please believe

ough which she had passed. A tangle of thoughts was in his brain,

gton. It was the loose end in the

She is the w

s the villainy

aid his han

be that he is not the

woman, and

to send a trusted servant with you to find you a secure lodging. This house is no sa