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"Am I not reasonable? Do I not think? But there is so hed "You carried your deception so far You came here, for instance, as Monsieur de Lesperon Why that duplicity?"

"Again, lanced at me with pathetic disdain

"Indeed, indeed, s very bravely"

"Did I tell you that my name was Lesperon? Did I present myself to monsieur your father as Lesperon?"

"Surely--yes"

"Surely no; a thousand times no I was the victim of circumstances in that, and if I turned them to my own account after they had been forced upon me, shall I be blamed and accounted a cheat? Whilst I was unconscious, your father, seeking for a clue to my identity, made an inspection of my clothes

"In the pocket of my doublet they found some papers addressed to Rene de Lesperon--some love letters, a communication from the Duc d'Orleans, and a woman's portrait From all of this it was assumed that I was that Lesperon Upon reeted me effusively, whereat I wondered; he passed on to discuss--nay, to tell me of--the state of the province and of his own connection with the rebels, until I lay gasping at his egregious tereeted me as Monsieur de Lesperon, I had the explanation of it, but too late Could I deny the identity then? Could I tell hi himself? What would have occurred? I ask you, mademoiselle Would I not have been accounted a spy, and would they not have made short work of me here at your chateau?"

"No, no; they would have done no murder"

"Perhaps not, but I could not be sure just then Most men situated as your father ould have despatched h? Do you not believe me now?"

"Yes, monsieur," she answered simply, "I believe you"

"Will you not believe, then, in the sincerity of my love?"

She made no rely Her face was averted, but from her silence I took heart I drew close to her I settowards her, I spoke with passionate heat asfor me

"Madeer that entleman whose wealth and splendour were a byword Yet aency--a very spot for happiness, ency I shall live at peace, in seclusion, and, so that you co to deserve I have no longer an army of retainers A couple of men and a maid or two shall constitute our household Yet I shall account my wealth well lost if for love's sake you'll share with me the peace of my obscurity I aentleman, Rene de Lesperon, for whom you held me, and on whom you bestowed the priceless treasure of your heart"