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"I was not thinking of the Cause, mademoiselle, but of myself alone--of my own personal honour I would that I could explain; but I am afraid," I ended la her eyes in wonder

"Aye, afraid Afraid of your contelance increased and asked a question that I could not answer I stretched forward, and caught one of the hands lying idle in her lap

"Roxalanne," I ently, and my tone, e behind their lids again A flush spread upon the ivory pallor of her face, to fade as swiftly, leaving it very white Her bosoitation, and the little hand I held trerasp There was a moment's silence Not that I had need to think or choose my words But there was a lu it, for this was the first tiood and true ene had shattered o

"Roxalanne," I resumed presently, when I was ood friends, you and I, since that night when I climbed for shelter to your chamber, have we not?"

"But yes, o it is Think of it--no more than ten days And it seems as if I had been months at Lavedan, so well have we become acquainted In these ten days we have formed opinions of each other But with this difference, that whilstI have coentlest saint in all this world Would to God I had known you earlier! It ht have been--I would have been--different, and I would not have done what I have done You have coentleman Such am I not I am under false colours here, mademoiselle Unfortunate I may be--at least, of late I seem to have become so Honest I am not--I have not been There, child, I can tell you no reat a coward But when later you shall coone, theythis fellow Lesperon who sought the hospitality of your father's house--bethink you of my restraint in this hour; bethink you of s perhaps afterwards But bethink you of them, and you will unriddle thee me not over-harshly"