through his arm, and led his horse to the Manor House.

"This was in the afternoon. Of course, whether they wished or not,
Garoche and Falise could not refuse, and the people were glad enough, for
they would have a free hand at meat and wine, the Baron being liberal of
table. And it was as they guessed, for though the time was so short, the
people at Beaugard soon had the tables heavy with food and drink. It was
just at the time of candle-lighting the Baron came in and gave a toast.
'To the dwellers in Eden to-night,' he said--'Eden against the time of
the Angel and the Sword.' I do not think that any except the Cure and
the woman understood, and she, maybe, only because a woman feels the
truth about a thing, even when her brain does not. After they had done
shouting to his toast, he said a good-night to all, and they began to
leave, the Cure among the first to go, with a troubled look in his face.

"As the people left, the Baron said to Garoche and Falise: 'A moment with
me before you go.' The woman started, for she thought of one thing, and
Garoche started, for he thought of another--the siege of Beaugard and the
killing of young Marmette. But they followed the Baron to his chamber.
Coming in, he shut the door on them. Then he turned to Garoche. 'You
will accept the roof and bed of Beaugard to-night, my man,' he said, 'and
come to me here at nine tomorrow morning.' Garoche stared hard for an
instant. 'Stay here!' said Garoche, 'Falise and me stay here in the
Manor, M'sieu' le Baron!' 'Here, even here, Garoche; so good-night to
you,' said the Baron. Garoche turned towards the girl. 'Then come,
Falise,' he said, and reached out his hand. 'Your room, Garoche, shall
be shown you at once,' the Baron added softly, 'the lady's at her
pleasure.'

"Then a cry burst from Garoche, and he sprang forward, but the Baron