De Proballe stepped forward and whispered eagerly to the Governor.
"Is that so, indeed? I hear that even now you have been seen making careful observations of our Castle and the fortifications. You can of course explain so singular and apt a curiosity? Apt, I mean, as fitting with the conduct of a spy."
"Are the soldiers of France forbidden even to look at the fortifications of Morvaix's famous Castle?"
"Spies are so forbidden, monsieur, and when detected are dealt with as you, being a soldier, will understand."
"I repeat, I am no spy."
"Then prove it so, by declaring who you are."
"I am accustomed to have my word accepted, monsieur," answered Gerard proudly.
The Governor was about to answer when de Proballe laid a hand on his arm and drew him to one side.
"Why not declare yourself, monsieur?" asked Gabrielle, half-hesitatingly, as the others drew out of earshot. "You little know the Duke if you think you can safely hold him at defiance thus."
"I am not concerned for what he may think or do, mademoiselle. It is you, and you only, whom I fear to have estranged. I deceived you. Can you forgive me?"
"You should not have done it, monsieur," she answered, dropping her eyes. "You—you shamed me."
"God forbid you should believe such a thought as that could have been in my heart."
"But I—I deemed you were my cousin. Oh, when I think of it, my face flames with humiliation."
"Then in all truth am I bitterly punished. But you must see how hardly I was placed. When I heard the blunt confession of all that was designed against you I knew not what to do. Hating myself for every act and word of compelled deception, yet I could not speak withoutBut of course, you must blame me."
