Hepickeduphisshort-stemmedpipeandpulledsavagelyatitforawhile。DeBatzwasmeditating。
　　“Myfriend，“hesaidafteralittlewhile，“youareagitatingyourselfquiteunnecessarily，andgravelyjeopardisingyourprospectsofgettingacomfortablelittleincomethroughkeepingyourfingersoffmyperson。WhosaidIwantedtomeddlewiththechild？”
　　“Youhadbestnot，“growledHeron。
　　“Exactly。Youhavesaidthatbefore。Butdoyounotthinkthatyouwouldbefarwiser，insteadofdirectingyourundividedattentiontomyunworthyself，toturnyourthoughtsalittletoonewhom，believeme，youhavefargreatercausetofear？”
　　“Whoisthat？”
　　“TheEnglishman。“
　　“YoumeanthemantheycalltheScarletPimpernel？”
　　“Himself。Haveyounotsufferedfromhisactivity，friendHeron？
　　IfancythatcitizenChauvelinandcitizenCollotwouldhavequiteataletotellabouthim。“
　　“TheyoughtbothtohavebeenguillotinedforthatblunderlastautumnatBoulogne。“
　　“Takecarethatthesameaccusationbenotlaidatyourdoorthisyear，myfriend，“commenteddeBatzplacidly。
　　“Bah！”
　　“TheScarletPimpernelisinParisevennow。“
　　“Thedevilheis！”
　　“Andonwhaterrand，thinkyou？”
　　Therewasamoment'ssilence，andthendeBatzcontinuedwithslowanddramaticemphasis：
　　“ThatofrescuingyourmostpreciousprisonerfromtheTemple。“
　　“Howdoyouknow？”Heronqueriedsavagely。
　　“Iguessed。“
　　“How？”
　　“IsawamanintheTheatreNationalto-day……“
　　“Well？”
　　“WhoisamemberoftheLeagueoftheScarletPimpernel。“
　　“D——him！WherecanIfindhim？”
　　“Willyousignareceiptforthethreethousandfivehundredlivres，whichIampiningtohandovertoyou，myfriend，andI
　　willtellyou？”
　　“Where'sthemoney？”
　　“Inmypocket。“
　　WithoutfurtherwordsHerondraggedtheinkhornandasheetofpapertowardshim，tookupapen，andwroteafewwordsrapidlyinaloose，scrawlyhand。Hestrewedsandoverthewriting，thenhandeditacrossthetabletodeBatz。
　　“Willthatdo？”heaskedbriefly。
　　Theotherwasreadingthenotethroughcarefully。
　　“Iseeyouonlygrantmeafortnight，“heremarkedcasually。
　　“Forthatamountofmoneyitissufficient。Ifyouwantanextensionyoumustpaymore。“
　　“Sobeit，“assenteddeBatzcoolly，ashefoldedthepaperacross。“Onthewholeafortnight'simmunityinFrancethesedaysisquiteapleasantrespite。AndIprefertokeepintouchwithyou，friendHeron。I'llcallonyouagainthisdayfortnight。“
　　Hetookoutaletter-casefromhispocket。Outofthishedrewapacketofbank-notes，whichhelaidonthetableinfrontofHeron，thenheplacedthereceiptcarefullyintotheletter-case，andthisbackintohispocket。
　　Heroninthemeanwhilewascountingoverthebanknotes。Thelightofferocityhadentirelygonefromhiseyes；momentarilythewholeexpressionofthefacewasoneofsatisfiedgreed。
　　“Well！”hesaidatlastwhenhehadassuredhimselfthatthenumberofnoteswasquitecorrect，andhehadtransferredthebundleofcrisppapersintoaninnerpocketofhiscoat——“well，whataboutyourfriend？”
　　“Iknewhimyearsago，“rejoineddeBatzcoolly；“heisakinsmanofcitizenSt。Just。IknowthatheisoneoftheconfederatesoftheScarletPimpernel。“
　　“Wheredoeshelodge？”
　　“Thatisforyoutofindout。Isawhimatthetheatre，andafterwardsinthegreen-room；hewasmakinghimselfagreeabletothecitizenessLange。Iheardhimaskforleavetocallonherto-morrowatfouro'clock。Youknowwhereshelodges，ofcourse！”
　　HewatchedHeronwhilethelatterscribbledafewwordsonascrapofpaper，thenhequietlyrosetogo。Hetookuphiscloakandonceagainwrappeditroundhisshoulders。Therewasnothingmoretobesaid，andhewasanxioustogo。
　　Theleave-takingbetweenthetwomenwasneithercordialnormorethanbarelycourteous。DeBatznoddedtoHeron，whoescortedhimtotheoutsidedoorofhislodging，andtherecalledloudlytoasoldierwhowasdoingsentinelatthefurtherendofthecorridor。
　　“Showthiscitizenthewaytotheguichet，“hesaidcurtly。
　　“Good-night，citizen，“headdedfinally，noddingtodeBatz。
　　TenminuteslatertheGascononcemorefoundhimselfintheRueduTemplebetweenthegreatouterwallsoftheprisonandthesilentlittlechurchandconventofSt。Elizabeth。HelookeduptowhereinthecentraltowerasmallgratedwindowlightedfromwithinshowedtheplacewherethelastoftheBourbonswasbeingtaughttodesecratethetraditionsofhisrace，atthebiddingofamenderofshoes——anavalofficercashieredformisconductandfraud。
　　Suchishumannatureinitsself-satisfiedcomplacencythatdeBatz，calmlyignoringthevilepartwhichhehimselfhadplayedinthelastquarterofanhourofhisinterviewwiththeCommittee'sagent，founditinhimtothinkofHeronwithloathing，andevenofthecobblerSimonwithdisgust。
　　Thenwithaself-righteoussenseofdutyperformed，andanindifferentshrugoftheshoulders，hedismissedHeronfromhismind。
　　“ThatmeddlesomeScarletPimpernelwillfindhishandsover-fullto-morrow，andmayhapwillnotinterfereinmyaffairsforsometimetocome，“hemused；“meseemsthatthatwillbethefirsttimethatamemberofhispreciousLeaguehascomewithintheclutchesofsuchunpleasantpeopleasthesleuth-houndsofmyfriendHeron！”
　　CHAPTERIX
　　WHATLOVECANDO
　　“Yesterdayyouwereunkindandungallant。HowcouldIsmilewhenyouseemedsostern？”
　　“YesterdayIwasnotalonewithyou。HowcouldIsaywhatlaynextmyheart，whenindifferentearscouldcatchthewordsthatweremeantonlyforyou？”
　　“Ah，monsieur，dotheyteachyouinEnglandhowtomakeprettyspeeches？”
　　“No，mademoiselle，thatisaninstinctthatcomesintobirthbythefireofawoman'seyes。“
　　MademoiselleLangewassittinguponasmallsofaofantiquedesign，withcushionscoveredinfadedsilksheapedroundherprettyhead。ArmandthoughtthatshelookedlikethatcarvedcameowhichhissisterMargueritepossessed。
　　Hehimselfsatonalowchairatsomedistancefromher。Hehadbroughtheralargebunchofearlyviolets，forheknewthatshewasfondofflowers，andtheselayuponherlap，againsttheopalescentgreyofhergown。
　　Sheseemedalittlenervousandagitated，hisobviousadmirationbringingareadyblushtohercheeks。
　　TheroomitselfappearedtoArmandtobeaperfectframeforthecharmingpicturewhichshepresented。Thefurnitureinitwassmallandold；tinytablesofantiqueVernis-Martin，softlyfadedtapestries，apale-tonedAubussoncarpet。Everythingmellowandinameasurepathetic。MademoiselleLange，whowasanorphan，livedaloneundertheduennashipofamiddle-agedrelative，apennilesshanger-onofthesuccessfulyoungactress，whoactedasherchaperone，housekeeper，andmaid，andkeptunseemlyorover-boldgallantsatbay。
　　ShetoldArmandallaboutherearlylife，herchildhoodinthebackshopofMaitreMeziere，thejeweller，whowasarelativeofhermother's；ofherdesireforanartisticcareer，herstruggleswiththemiddle-classprejudicesofherrelations，herbolddefianceofthem，andfinalindependence。
　　Shemadenosecretofherhumbleorigin，herwantofeducationinthosedays；onthecontrary，shewasproudofwhatshehadaccomplishedforherself。Shewasonlytwentyyearsofage，andalreadyheldaleadingplaceintheartisticworldofParis。
　　Armandlistenedtoherchatter，interestedineverythingshesaid，questioningherwithsympathyanddiscretion。Sheaskedhimagooddealabouthimself，andabouthisbeautifulsisterMarguerite，who，ofcourse，hadbeenthemostbrilliantstarinthatmostbrilliantconstellation，theComedieFrancaise。ShehadneverseenMargueriteSt。Justact，but，ofcourse，Parisstillrangwithherpraises，andallart-loversregrettedthatsheshouldhavemarriedandleftthemtomournforher。
　　ThustheconversationdriftednaturallybacktoEngland。
　　Mademoiselleprofessedavastinterestinthecitizen'scountryofadoption。
　　“Ihadalways，“shesaid，“thoughtitanuglycountry，withthenoiseandbustleofindustriallifegoingoneverywhere，andsmokeandfogtocoverthelandscapeandtostuntthetrees。“
　　“Then，infuture，mademoiselle，“hereplied，“mustyouthinkofitasonecarpetedwithverdure，whereinthespringtheorchardtreescoveredwithdelicateblossomwouldspeaktoyouoffairyland，wherethedewygrassstretchesitsvelvetysurfaceintheshadowofancientmonumentaloaks，andivy-coveredtowersreartheirstatelycrownstothesky。“
　　“AndtheScarletPimpernel？Tellmeabouthim，monsieur。“
　　“Ah，mademoiselle，whatcanItellyouthatyoudonotalreadyknow？TheScarletPimpernelisamanwhohasdevotedhisentireexistencetothebenefitofsufferingmankind。Hehasbutonethought，andthatisforthosewhoneedhim；hehearsbutonesoundthecryoftheoppressed。“
　　“Buttheydosay，monsieur，thatphilanthropyplaysbutasorrypartinyourhero'sschemes。Theyaverthathelooksonhisowneffortsandtheadventuresthroughwhichhegoesonlyinthelightofsport。“
　　“LikeallEnglishmen，mademoiselle，theScarletPimpernelisalittleashamedofsentiment。Hewoulddenyitsveryexistencewithhislips，evenwhilsthisnobleheartbrimmedoverwithit。
　　Sport？Well！mayhapthesportinginstinctisaskeenasthatofcharity——theraceforlives，thetusslefortherescueofhumancreatures，thethrowingofalifeonthehazardofadie。“
　　“TheyfearhiminFrance，monsieur。HehassavedsomanywhosedeathhadbeendecreedbytheCommitteeofPublicSafety。“
　　“PleaseGod，hewillsavemanyyet。“
　　“Ah，monsieur，thepoorlittleboyintheTempleprison！”
　　“Hehasyoursympathy，mademoiselle？”
　　“Ofeveryright-mindedwomaninFrance，monsieur。Oh！”sheaddedwithaprettygestureofenthusiasm，claspingherhandstogether，andlookingatArmandwithlargeeyesfilledwithtears，“ifyournobleScarletPimpernelwilldoaughttosavethatpoorinnocentlamb，Iwouldindeedblesshiminmyheart，andhelphimwithallmyhumblemightifIcould。“
　　“MayGod'ssaintsblessyouforthosewords，mademoiselle，“hesaid，whilst，carriedawaybyherbeauty，hercharm，herperfectfemininity，hestoopedtowardsheruntilhiskneetouchedthecarpetatherfeet。“Ihadbeguntolosemybeliefinmypoormisguidedcountry，tothinkallmeninFrancevile，andallwomenbase。Icouldthankyouonmykneesforyoursweetwordsofsympathy，fortheexpressionoftendermotherlinessthatcameintoyoureyeswhenyouspokeofthepoorforsakenDauphinintheTemple。“
　　Shedidnotrestrainhertears；withhertheycameveryeasily，justaswithachild，andastheygatheredinhereyesandrolleddownherfreshcheekstheyiiinowaymarredthecharmofherface。Onehandlayinherlapfingeringadiminutivebitofcambric，whichfromtimetotimeshepressedtohereyes。TheothershehadalmostunconsciouslyyieldedtoArmand。
　　Thescentofthevioletsfilledtheroom。Itseemedtoemanatefromher，afittingattributeofheryoung，whollyunsophisticatedgirlhood。Thecitizenwasgoodlytolookat；hewaskneelingatherfeet，andhislipswerepressedagainstherhand。
　　Armandwasyoungandhewasanidealist。Idonotforamomentimaginethatjustatthismomenthewasdeeplyinlove。Thestrongerfeelinghadnotyetrisenupinhim；itcamelaterwhentragedyencompassedhimandbroughtpassiontosuddenmaturity。
　　Justnowhewasmerelyyieldinghimselfuptotheintoxicatingmoment，withalltheabandonment，alltheenthusiasmoftheLatinrace。Therewasnoreasonwhyheshouldnotbendthekneebeforethisexquisitelittlecameo，thatbyitsverypresencewasgivinghimanhourofperfectpleasureandofaestheticjoy。
　　Outsidetheworldcontinueditshideous，relentlessway；menbutcheredoneanother，foughtandhated。Hereinthissmallold-worldsalon，withitsfadedsatinsandbitsofivory-tintedlace，theouteruniversehadneverreallypenetrated。Itwasatinyworld——quiteapartfromtherestofmankind，perfectlypeacefulandabsolutelybeautiful。
　　IfArmandhadbeenallowedtodepartfromherenow，withouthavingbeenthecauseaswellasthechiefactorintheeventsthatfollowed，nodoubtthatMademoiselleLangewouldalwayshaveremainedacharmingmemorywithhim，anexquisitebouquetofvioletspressedreverentlybetweentheleavesofafavouritebookofpoems，andthescentofspringflowerswouldinafteryearshaveeverbroughtherdaintypicturetohismind。
　　Hewasmurmuringprettywordsofendearment；carriedawaybyemotion，hisarmstoleroundherwaist；hefeltthatifanothertearcamelikeadewdroprollingdownhercheekhemustkissitawayatitsverysource。Passionwasnotsweepingthemofftheirfeet——notyet，fortheywereveryyoung，andlifehadnotasyetpresentedtothemitsmostunsolvableproblem。
　　Buttheyyieldedtooneanother，tothespringtimeoftheirlife，callingforLove，whichwouldcomepresentlyhandinhandwithhisgrimattendant，Sorrow。
　　EvenasArmand'sglowingfacewasatlastlifteduptohersaskingwithmutelipsforthatfirstkisswhichshealreadywaspreparedtogive，therecametheloudnoiseofmen'sheavyfootstepstrampinguptheoldoakstairs，thensomeshouting，awoman'scry，andthenextmomentMadameBelhomme，trembling，wide-eyed，andinobviousterror，camerushingintotheroom。
　　“Jeanne！Jeanne！Mychild！Itisawful！Itisawful！MonDieu——monDieu！Whatistobecomeofus？”
　　Shewasmoaningandlamentingevenassheranin，andnowshethrewherapronoverherfaceandsankintoachair，continuinghermoaningandherlamentations。
　　NeitherMademoisellenorArmandhadstirred。Theyremainedlikegravenimages，heononeknee，shewithlargeeyesfixeduponhisface。Theyhadneitherofthemlookedontheoldwoman；theyseemedevennowunconsciousofherpresence。Buttheirearshadcaughtthesoundofthatmeasuredtrampoffeetupthestairsoftheoldhouse，andthehaltuponthelanding；theyhadheardthebriefwordsofcommand：
　　“Open，inthenameofthepeople！”
　　Theyknewquitewellwhatitallmeant；theyhadnotwanderedsofarintherealmsofromancethatreality——thegrim，horriblerealityofthemoment——hadnotthepowertobringthembacktoearth。
　　Thatperemptorycalltoopeninthenameofthepeoplewastheprologuethesedaystoadramawhichhadbuttwoconcludingacts：
　　arrest，whichwasacertainty；theguillotine，whichwasmorethanprobable。JeanneandArmand，thesetwoyoungpeoplewhobutamomentagohadtentativelyliftedtheveiloflife，lookedstraightintoeachother'seyesandsawthehandofdeathinterposedbetweenthem：theylookedstraightintoeachother'seyesandknewthatnothingbutthehandofdeathwouldpartthemnow。Lovehadcomewithitsattendant，Sorrow；buthehadcomewithnouncertainfootsteps。Jeannelookedonthemanbeforeher，andhebenthisheadtoimprintaglowingkissuponherhand。
　　“AuntMarie！”
　　ItwasJeanneLangewhospoke，buthervoicewasnolongerthatofanirresponsiblechild；itwasfirm，steadyandhard。Thoughshespoketotheoldwoman，shedidnotlookather；herluminousbrowneyesrestedonthebowedheadofArmandSt。Just。
　　“AuntMarie！”sherepeatedmoreperemptorily，fortheoldwoman，withherapronoverherhead，wasstillmoaning，andunconsciousofallsaveanovermasteringfear。
　　“Open，inthenameofthepeople！”cameinaloudharshvoiceoncemorefromtheothersideofthefrontdoor。
　　“AuntMarie，asyouvalueyourlifeandmine，pullyourselftogether，“saidJeannefirmly。
　　“Whatshallwedo？Oh！whatshallwedo？”moanedMadameBelhomme。
　　Butshehaddraggedtheapronawayfromherface，andwaslookingwithsomepuzzlementatmeek，gentlelittleJeanne，whohadsuddenlybecomesostrange，sodictatorial，allunlikeherhabitualsomewhatdiffidentself。
　　“Youneednothavetheslightestfear，AuntMarie，ifyouwillonlydoasItellyou，“resumedJeannequietly；“ifyougivewaytofear，weareallofusundone。Asyouvalueyourlifeandmine，“shenowrepeatedauthoritatively，“pullyourselftogether，anddoasItellyou。“
　　Thegirl'sfirmness，herperfectquietudehadthedesiredeffect。
　　MadameBelhomme，thoughstillshakenupwithsobsofterror，madeagreatefforttomasterherself；shestoodup，smootheddownherapron，passedherhandoverherruffledhair，andsaidinaquakingvoice：
　　“Whatdoyouthinkwehadbetterdo？”
　　“Goquietlytothedoorandopenit。“
　　“But——thesoldiers——“
　　“Ifyoudonotopenquietlytheywillforcethedooropenwithinthenexttwominutes，“interposedJeannecalmly。“Goquietlyandopenthedoor。Tryandhideyourfears，grumbleinanaudiblevoiceatbeinginterruptedinyourcooking，andtellthesoldiersatoncethattheywillfindmademoiselleintheboudoir。Go，forGod'ssake！”sheadded，whilstsuppressedemotionsuddenlymadeheryoungvoicevibrate；“go，beforetheybreakopenthatdoor！”
　　MadameBelhomme，impressedandcowed，obeyedlikeanautomaton。
　　Sheturnedandmarchedfairlystraightoutoftheroom。Itwasnotaminutetoosoon。Fromoutsidehadalreadycomethethirdandfinalsummons：
　　“Open，inthenameofthepeople！”
　　Afterthatacrowbarwouldbreakopenthedoor。
　　MadameBelhomme'sheavyfootstepswereheardcrossingtheante-chamber。ArmandstillkneltatJeanne'sfeet，holdinghertremblinglittlehandinhis。
　　“Alove-scene，“shewhisperedrapidly，“alove-scene——quick——doyouknowone？”
　　Andevenashehadtriedtorisesheheldhimhack，downonhisknees。
　　Hethoughtthatfearwasmakingherdistracted。
　　“Mademoiselle——“hemurmured，tryingtosootheher。
　　“Tryandunderstand，“shesaidwithwonderfulcalm，“anddoasI
　　tellyou。AuntMariehasobeyed。Willyoudolikewise？”
　　“Tothedeath！”hewhisperedeagerly。
　　“Thenalove-scene，“sheentreated。“Surelyyouknowone。
　　RodrigueandChimene！Surely——surely，“sheurged，evenastearsofanguishroseintohereyes，“youmust——youmust，or，ifnotthat，somethingelse。Quick！Theverysecondsareprecious！”
　　Theywereindeed！MadameBelhomme，obedientasafrighteneddog，hadgonetothedoorandopenedit；evenherwell-feignedgrumblingscouldnowbeheardandtheroughinterrogationsfromthesoldiery。
　　“CitizenessLange！”saidagruffvoice。
　　“Inherboudoir，quoi！”
　　MadameBelhomme，bracedupapparentlybyfear，wasplayingherpartremarkablywell。
　　“Botheringgoodcitizens！Onbakingday，too！”shewentongrumblingandmuttering。
　　“Oh，think——think！”murmuredJeannenowinanagonisedwhisper，herhotlittlehandgraspinghissotightlythathernailsweredrivenintohisflesh。“Youmustknowsomething，thatwilldo——anything——fordearlife'ssake……Armand！”
　　Hisname——inthetenseexcitementofthisterriblemoment——hadescapedherlips。
　　Allinaflashofsuddenintuitionheunderstoodwhatshewanted，andevenasthedooroftheboudoirwasthrownviolentlyopenArmand——stillonhisknees，butwithonehandpressedtohisheart，theotherstretchedupwardstotheceilinginthemostapproveddramaticstyle，wasloudlydeclaiming：
　　“Pourvengersonhonneurilperditsonamour，Pourvengersamaitresseilaquittelejour！”
　　WhereuponMademoiselleLangefeignedthemostperfectimpatience。
　　“No，no，mygoodcousin，“shesaidwithaprettymoueofdisdain，“thatwillneverdo！Youmustnotthusemphasisetheendofeveryline；theversesshouldflowmoreevenly，asthus……“
　　Heronhadpausedatthedoor。Itwashewhohadthrownitopen——hewho，followedbyacoupleofhissleuth-hounds，hadthoughttofindherethemandenouncedbydeBatzasbeingoneofthefollowersofthatirrepressibleScarletPimpernel。TheobviouslyParisianintonationofthemankneelinginfrontofcitizenessLangeinanattitudenowayssuggestiveofpersonaladmiration，andcoollyrecitingversesoutofaplay，hadsomewhattakenhimaback。
　　“Whatdoesthismean？”heaskedgruffly，stridingforwardintotheroomandglaringfirstatmademoiselle，thenatArmand。
　　Mademoisellegavealittlecryofsurprise。
　　“Why，ifitisn'tcitizenHeron！”shecried，jumpingupwithadaintymovementofcoquetryandembarrassment。“WhydidnotAuntMarieannounceyou？……Itisindeedremissofher，butsheissoill-temperedonbakingdaysIdarenotevenrebukeher。Won'tyousitdown，citizenHeron？Andyou，cousin，“sheadded，lookingdownairilyonArmand，“Iprayyoumaintainnolongerthatfoolishattitude。“
　　Thefebrilenessofhermanner，theglowinhercheekswereeasilyattributabletonaturalshynessinfaceofthisunexpectedvisit。
　　Heron，completelybewilderedbythislittlescene，whichwassounlikewhatheexpected，andsounlikethosetowhichhewasaccustomedintheexerciseofhishorribleduties，waspracticallyspeechlessbeforethelittleladywhocontinuedtoprattlealonginasimple，unaffectedmanner。
　　“Cousin，“shesaidtoArmand，whointhemeanwhilehadrisentohisknees，“thisiscitizenHeron，ofwhomyouhaveheardmespeak。MycousinBelhomme，“shecontinued，oncemoreturningtoHeron，“isfreshfromthecountry，citizen。HehailsfromOrleans，wherehehasplayedleadingpartsinthetragediesofthelatecitizenCorneille。But，ahme！IfearthathewillfindParisaudiencesvastlymorecriticalthanthegoodOrleanese。Didyouhearhim，citizen，declaimingthosebeautifulversesjustnow？
　　Hewasmurderingthem，sayI——yes，murderingthem——thegaby！”
　　Thenonlydiditseemasifsherealisedthattherewassomethingamiss，thatcitizenHeronhadcometovisither，notasanadmirerofhertalentwhowouldwishtopayhisrespectstoasuccessfulactress，butasapersontobelookedonwithdread。
　　Shegaveaquaint，nervouslittlelaugh，andmurmuredinthetonesofafrightenedchild：
　　“La，citizen，howglumyoulook！Ithoughtyouhadcometocomplimentmeonmylatestsuccess。Isawyouatthetheatrelastnight，thoughyoudidnotafterwardscometoseemeinthegreen-room。Why！Ihadaregularovation！Lookatmyflowers！”sheaddedmoregaily，pointingtoseveralbouquetsinvasesabouttheroom。“CitizenDantonbroughtmethevioletshimself，andcitizenSanterrethenarcissi，andthatlaurelwreath——isitnotcharming？——thatwasatributefromcitizenRobespierrehimself。“
　　Shewassoartless，sosimple，andsonaturalthatHeronwascompletelytakenoffhisusualmentalbalance。Hehadexpectedtofindtheusualsettingtothedramaticepisodeswhichhewaswonttoconduct——screamingwomen，amaneitheratbay，swordinhand，orhidinginalinencupboardorupachimney。
　　Noweverythingpuzzledhim。DeBatz——hewasquitesure——hadspokenofanEnglishman，afolloweroftheScarletPimpernel；everythinkingFrenchpatriotknewthatallthefollowersoftheScarletPimpernelwereEnglishmenwithredhairandprominentteeth，whereasthisman……
　　Armand——whodeadlydangerhadprimedinhisimprovisedrole——wasstridingupanddowntheroomdeclaimingwithever-varyingintonations：
　　“JoigneztousvoseffortscontreunespoirsidouxPourenvenirabout，c'esttroppeuquedevous。“
　　“No！no！”saidmademoiselleimpatiently；“youmustnotmakethatuglypausemidwayinthelastline：'pourenvenirabout，c'esttroppeuquedevous！'“
　　ShemimickedArmand'sdictionsoquaintly，imitatinghisstride，hisawkwardgesture，andhisfaultyphraseologywithsuchfunnyexaggerationthatHeronlaughedinspiteofhimself。
　　“SothatisacousinfromOrleans，isit？”heasked，throwinghislankybodyintoanarmchair，whichcreakeddismallyunderhisweight。
　　“Yes！aregulargaby——what？”shesaidarchly。“Now，citizenHeron，youmuststayandtakecoffeewithme。AuntMariewillbebringingitindirectly。Hector，“sheadded，turningtoArmand，“comedownfromthecloudsandaskAuntMarietobequick。“
　　ThiscertainlywasthefirsttimeinthewholeofhisexperiencethatHeronhadbeenaskedtostayanddrinkcoffeewiththequarryhewashuntingdown。Mademoiselle'sinnocentlittleways，herdesirefortheprolongationofhisvisit，furtheraddledhisbrain。DeBatzhadundoubtedlyspokenofanEnglishman，andthecousinfromOrleanswascertainlyaFrenchmaneveryinchofhim。
　　PerhapshadthedenunciationcomefromanyoneelsebutdeBatz，Heronmighthaveactedandthoughtmorecircumspectly；but，ofcourse，thechiefagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecuritywasmoresuspiciousofthemanfromwhomhetookaheavybribethanofanyoneelseinFrance。ThethoughthadsuddenlycrossedhismindthatmayhapdeBatzhadsenthimonafool'serrandinordertogethimsafelyoutofthewayoftheTempleprisonatagivenhouroftheday。
　　Thethoughttookshape，crystallised，causedhimtoseearapidvisionofdeBatzsneakingintohislodgingsandstealinghiskeys，theguardbeingslack，careless，inattentive，allowingtheadventurertopassbarriersthatshouldhavebeenclosedagainstallcomers。
　　NowHeronwassureofit；itwasallaconspiracyinventedbydeBatz。Hehadforgottenallabouthistheoriesthatamanunderarrestisalwayssaferthanamanthatisfree。Hadhisbrainbeenquitenormal，andnotobsessed，asitalwayswasnowbythoughtsoftheDauphin'sescapefromprison，nodoubthewouldhavebeenmoresuspiciousofArmand，butallhisworstsuspicionsweredirectedagainstdeBatz。Armandseemedtohimjustafool，anactorquoi？andsoobviouslynotanEnglishman。
　　Hejumpedtohisfeet，curtlydecliningmademoiselle'soffersofhospitality。Hewantedtogetawayatonce。Actorsandactresseswerealways，bytacitconsentoftheauthorities，moreimmunethantherestofthecommunity。Theyprovidedtheonlyamusementintheintervalsofthehorriblescenesaroundthescaffolds；theywereirresponsible，harmlesscreatureswhodidnotmeddleinpolitics。
　　Jeannethewhilewasgailyprattlingon，herluminouseyesfixedupontheall-powerfulenemy，strivingtoreadhisthoughts，tounderstandwhatwentonbehindthosecruel，prominenteyes，thechancesthatArmandhadofsafetyandoflife。
　　Sheknew，ofcourse，thatthevisitwasdirectedagainstArmand——someonehadbetrayedhim，thatodiousdeBatzmayhap——andshewasfightingforArmand'ssafety，forhislife。Herarmouryconsistedofherpresenceofmind，hercoolcourage，herself-control；sheusedalltheseweaponsforhissake，thoughattimesshefeltasifthestrainonhernerveswouldsnapthethreadoflifeinher。Theeffortseemedmorethanshecouldbear。
　　Butshekeptupherpart，rallyingHeronfortheshortnessofhisvisit，begginghimtotarryforanotherfiveminutesatleast，throwingout——withsubtlefeminineintuition——justthoseveryhintsanentlittleCapet'ssafetythatweremostcalculatedtosendhimflyingbacktowardstheTemple。
　　“Ifeltsohonouredlastnight，citizen，“shesaidcoquettishly，“thatyouevenforgotlittleCapetinordertocomeandwatchmydebutasCelimene。“
　　“Forgethim！”retortedHeron，smotheringacurse，“Ineverforgetthevermin。Imustgobacktohim；therearetoomanycatsnosingroundmymouse。Gooddaytoyou，citizeness。Ioughttohavebroughtflowers，Iknow；butIamabusyman——aharassedman。“
　　“Jetecrois，“shesaidwithagravenodofthehead；“butdocometothetheatreto-night。IamplayingCamille——suchafinepart！
　　oneofmygreatestsuccesses。“
　　“Yes，yes，I'llcome——mayhap，mayhap——butI'llgonow——gladtohaveseenyou，citizeness。Wheredoesyourcousinlodge？”heaskedabruptly。
　　“Here，“sherepliedboldly，onthespurofthemoment。
　　“Good。Lethimreporthimselfto-morrowmorningattheConciergerie，andgethiscertificateofsafety。Itisanewdecree，andyoushouldhaveone，too。“
　　“Verywell，then。HectorandIwillcometogether，andperhapsAuntMariewillcometoo。Don'tsendustomamanguillotineyetawhile，citizen，“shesaidlightly；“youwillnevergetsuchanotherCamille，noryetsogoodaCelimene。“
　　Shewasgay，artlesstothelast。SheaccompaniedHerontothedoorherself，chaffinghimabouthisescort。
　　“Youareanaristo，citizen，“shesaid，gazingwithwell-feignedadmirationonthetwosleuth-houndswhostoodinwaitintheanteroom；“itmakesmeproudtoseesomanycitizensatmydoor。
　　ComeandseemeplayCamille——cometo-night，anddon'tforgetthegreen-roomdoor——itwillalwaysbekeptinvitinglyopenforyou。“
　　Shebobbedhimacurtsey，andhewalkedout，closelyfollowedbyhistwomen；thenatlastsheclosedthedoorbehindthem。Shestoodthereforawhile，hereargluedagainstthemassivepanels，listeningfortheirmeasuredtreaddowntheoakstaircase。Atlastitrangmoresharplyagainsttheflagstonesofthecourtyardbelow；thenshewassatisfiedthattheyhadgone，andwentslowlybacktotheboudoir。
　　CHAPTERX
　　SHADOWS
　　Thetensiononhernervesrelaxed；therewastheinevitablereaction。Herkneeswereshakingunderher，andsheliterallystaggeredintotheroom。
　　ButArmandwasalreadynearher，downonbothhiskneesthistime，hisarmsclaspingthedelicateformthatswayedliketheslenderstemsofnarcissiinthebreeze。
　　“Oh！youmustgooutofParisatonce——atonce，“shesaidthroughsobswhichnolongerwouldbekeptback。
　　“He'llreturn——Iknowthathewillreturn——andyouwillnotbesafeuntilyouarebackinEngland。“
　　Buthecouldnotthinkofhimselforofanythinginthefuture。
　　HehadforgottenHeron，Paris，theworld；hecouldonlythinkofher。
　　“Iowemylifetoyou！”hemurmured。“Oh，howbeautifulyouare——howbrave！HowIloveyou！”
　　Itseemedthathehadalwayslovedher，fromthemomentthatfirstinhisboyishhearthehadsetupanidealtoworship，andthen，lastnight，intheboxofthetheatre——hehadhisbackturnedtowardthestage，andwasreadytogo——hervoicehadcalledhimback；ithadheldhimspellbound；hervoice，andalsohereyes……
　　HedidnotknowthenthatitwasLovewhichthenandtherehadenchainedhim。Oh，howfoolishhehadbeen！fornowheknewthathehadlovedherwithallhismight，withallhissoul，fromtheveryinstantthathiseyeshadresteduponher。
　　Hebabbledalong——incoherently——intheintervalsofcoveringherhandsandthehemofhergownwithkisses。Hestoopedrightdowntothegroundandkissedthearchofherinstep；hehadbecomeadevoteeworshippingattheshrineofhissaint，whohadperformedagreatandawonderfulmiracle。
　　Armandtheidealisthadfoundhisidealinawoman。Thatwasthegreatmiraclewhichthewomanherselfhadperformedforhim。Hefoundinherallthathehadadmiredmost，allthathehadadmiredintheleaderwhohithertohadbeentheonlypersonificationofhisideal。ButJeannepossessedallthosequalitieswhichhadrousedhisenthusiasminthenobleherowhomherevered。Herpluck，heringenuity，hercalmdevotionwhichhadavertedthethreateneddangerfromhim！
　　Whathadhedonethatsheshouldhaveriskedherownsweetlifeforhissake？
　　ButJeannedidnotknow。Shecouldnottell。Hernervesnowweresomewhatunstrung，andthetearsthatalwayscamesoreadilytohereyesflowedquiteunchecked。Shecouldnotverywellmove，forheheldherkneesimprisonedinhisarms，butshewasquitecontenttoremainlikethis，andtoyieldherhandstohimsothathemightcoverthemwithkisses。
　　Indeed，shedidnotknowatwhatprecisemomentloveforhimhadbeenborninherheart。Lastnight，perhaps……shecouldnotsay……butwhentheypartedshefeltthatshemustseehimagain……
　　andthentoday……perhapsitwasthescentoftheviolets……
　　theyweresoexquisitelysweet……perhapsitwashisenthusiasmandhistalkaboutEngland……butwhenHeroncamesheknewthatshemustsaveArmand'slifeatallcost……thatshewoulddieiftheydraggedhimawaytoprison。
　　Thusthesetwochildrenphilosophised，tryingtounderstandthemysteryofthebirthofLove。Buttheywereonlychildren；theydidnotreallyunderstand。Passionwassweepingthemofftheirfeet，becauseacommondangerhadboundthemirrevocablytooneanother。Thewomanlyinstincttosaveandtoprotecthadgiventheyounggirlstrengthtobearadifficultpart，andnowshelovedhimforthedangersfromwhichshehadrescuedhim，andhelovedherbecauseshehadriskedherlifeforhim。
　　Thehoursspedon；therewassomuchtosay，somuchthatwasexquisitetolistento。Theshadesofeveningweregatheringfast；theroom，withitspale-tonedhangingsandfadedtapestries，wassinkingintothearmsofgloom。AuntMariewasnodoubttooterrifiedtostiroutofherkitchen；shedidnotbringthelamps，butthedarknesssuitedArmand'smood，andJeannewasgladthatthegloamingeffectuallyhidtheperpetualblushinhercheeks。
　　Intheeveningairthedyingflowerssenttheirheadyfragrancearound。ArmandwasintoxicatedwiththeperfumeofvioletsthatclungtoJeanne'sfingers，withthetouchofhersatingownthatbrushedhischeek，withthemurmurofhervoicethatquiveredthroughhertears。
　　Nonoisefromtheuglyouterworldreachedthissecludedspot。Inthetinysquareoutsideastreetlamphadbeenlighted，anditsfeeblerayscamepeepinginthroughthelacecurtainsatthewindow。Theycaughtthedaintysilhouetteoftheyounggirl，playingwiththeloosetendrilsofherhairaroundherforehead，andoutliningwithathinbandoflightthecontourofneckandshoulder，makingthesatinofhergownshimmerwithanopalescentglow。
　　Armandrosefromhisknees。Hereyeswerecallingtohim，herlipswerereadytoyield。
　　“Tum'aimes？”hewhispered。
　　Andlikeatiredchildshesankuponhisbreast。
　　Hekissedherhair，hereyes，herlips；herskinwasfragrantastheflowersofspring，thetearsonhercheeksglistenedlikemorningdew。
　　AuntMariecameinatlast，carryingthelamp。Shefoundthemsittingsidebyside，liketwochildren，handinhand，mutewiththeeloquencewhichcomesfromboundlesslove。Theywereunderaspell，forgettingeventhattheylived，knowingnothingexceptthattheyloved。
　　Thelampbrokethespell，andAuntMarie'sstilltremblingvoice：
　　“Oh，mydear！howdidyoumanagetoridyourselfofthosebrutes？
　　Butsheaskednootherquestion，evenwhenthelampshowedupquiteclearlytheglowingcheeksofJeanneandtheardenteyesofArmand。Inherheart，longsinceatrophied，therewereafewmemories，carefullyputawayinasecretcell，andthosememoriescausedtheoldwomantounderstand。
　　NeitherJeannenorArmandnoticedwhatshedid；thespellhadbeenbroken，butthedreamlingeredon；theydidnotseeAuntMarieputtingtheroomtidy，andthenquietlytiptoeingoutbythedoor。
　　Butthroughthedream，realitywasstrugglingforrecognition。
　　AfterArmandhadaskedforthehundredthtime：“Tum'aimes？”andJeanneforthehundredthtimehadrepliedmutelywithhereyes，herfearsforhimsuddenlyreturned。
　　Somethinghadawakenedherfromhertrance——aheavyfootstep，mayhap，inthestreetbelow，thedistantrollofadrum，oronlytheclashofsteelsaucepansinAuntMarie'skitchen。ButsuddenlyJeannewasalert，andwithheralertnesscameterrorforthebeloved。
　　“Yourlife，“shesaid——forhehadcalledherhislifejustthen，“yourlife——andIwasforgettingthatitisstillindanger……
　　yourdear，yourpreciouslife！”
　　“Doublydearnow，“hereplied，“sinceIoweittoyou。“
　　“ThenIprayyou，Ientreatyou，guarditwellformysake——makeallhastetoleaveParis……oh，thisIbegofyou！”shecontinuedmoreearnestly，seeingthelookofdemurinhiseyes；“everyhouryouspendinitbringsdangernearertoyourdoor。“
　　“IcouldnotleavePariswhileyouarehere。“
　　“ButIamsafehere，“sheurged；“quite，quitesafe，Iassureyou。
　　Iamonlyapooractress，andtheGovernmenttakesnoheedofusmimes。Menmustbeamused，evenbetweentheintervalsofkillingoneanother。Indeed，indeed，Ishouldbefarsaferherenow，waitingquietlyforawhile，whileyoumakepreparationstogo……
　　Myhastydepartureatthismomentwouldbringdisasteronusboth。“
　　Therewaslogicinwhatshesaid。Andyethowcouldheleaveher？
　　nowthathehadfoundthisperfectwoman——thisrealisationofhishighestideals，howcouldhegoandleaveherinthisawfulParis，withbruteslikeHeronforcingtheirhideouspersonalityintohersacredpresence，threateningthatverylifehewouldgladlygivehisowntokeepinviolate？
　　“Listen，sweetheart，“hesaidafterawhile，whenpresentlyreasonstruggledbackforfirstplaceinhismind。“Willyouallowmetoconsultwithmychief，withtheScarletPimpernel，whoisinParisatthepresentmoment？Iamunderhisorders；IcouldnotleaveFrancejustnow。Mylife，myentirepersonareathisdisposal。I
　　andmycomradesarehereunderhisorders，foragreatundertakingwhichhehasnotyetunfoldedtous，butwhichIfirmlybelieveisframedfortherescueoftheDauphinfromtheTemple。“
　　Shegaveaninvoluntaryexclamationofhorror。
　　“No，no！”shesaidquicklyandearnestly；“asfarasyouareconcerned，Armand，thathasnowbecomeanimpossibility。Someonehasbetrayedyou，andyouarehenceforthamarkedman。IthinkthatodiousdeBatzhadahandinHeron'svisitofthisafternoon。
　　Wesucceededinputtingthesespiesoffthescent，butonlyforamoment……withinafewhours——lessperhaps——Heronwillrepenthimofhiscarelessness；he'llcomeback——Iknowthathewillcomeback。Hemayleaveme，personally，alone；buthewillbeonyourtrack；he'lldragyoutotheConciergerietoreportyourself，andthereyourtruenameandhistoryareboundtocometolight。Ifyousucceedinevadinghim，hewillstillbeonyourtrack。IftheScarletPimpernelkeepsyouinParisnow，yourdeathwillbeathisdoor。“
　　Hervoicehadbecomequitehardandtrenchantasshesaidtheselastwords；womanlike，shewasalreadypreparedtohatethemanwhosemysteriouspersonalityshehadhithertoadmired，nowthatthelifeandsafetyofArmandappearedtodependonthewillofthatelusivehero。
　　“Youmustnotbeafraidforme，Jeanne，“heurged。“TheScarletPimpernelcaresforallhisfollowers；hewouldneverallowmetorununnecessaryrisks。“
　　Shewasunconvinced，almostjealousnowofhisenthusiasmforthatunknownman。AlreadyshehadtakenfullpossessionofArmand；shehadpurchasedhislife，andhehadgivenherhislove。ShewouldshareneithertreasurewiththatnamelessleaderwhoheldArmand'sallegiance。
　　“Itisonlyforalittlewhile，sweetheart，“hereiteratedagainandagain。“Icouldnot，anyhow，leavePariswhilstIfeelthatyouarehere，maybeindanger。Thethoughtwouldbehorrible。I
　　shouldgomadifIhadtoleaveyou。“
　　ThenhetalkedagainofEngland，ofhislifethere，ofthehappinessandpeacethatwereinstoreforthemboth。
　　“WewillgotoEnglandtogether，“hewhispered，“andtherewewillbehappytogether，youandI。WewillhaveatinyhouseamongtheKentishhills，anditswallswillbecoveredwithhoneysuckleandroses。Atthebackofthehousetherewillbeanorchard，andinMay，whenthefruit-blossomisfadingandsoftspringbreezesblowamongthetrees，showersofsweet-scentedpetalswillenvelopusaswewalkalong，fallingonuslikefragrantsnow。Youwillcome，sweetheart，willyounot？”
　　“Ifyoustillwishit，Armand，“shemurmured。
　　Stillwishit！Hewouldgladlygoto-morrowifshewouldcomewithhim。But，ofcourse，thatcouldnotbearranged。Shehadhercontracttofulfilatthetheatre，thentherewouldbeherhouseandfurnituretodisposeof，andtherewasAuntMarie……But，ofcourse，AuntMariewouldcometoo……Shethoughtthatshecouldgetawaysometimebeforethespring；andhesworethathecouldnotleaveParisuntilshecamewithhim。
　　Itseemedaterribledeadlock，forshecouldnotbeartothinkofhimaloneinthoseawfulParisstreets，wheresheknewthatspieswouldalwaysbetrackinghim。ShehadnoillusionsastotheimpressionwhichshehadmadeonHeron；sheknewthatitcouldonlybeamomentaryone，andthatArmandwouldhenceforthbeindaily，hourlydanger。
　　Atlastshepromisedhimthatshewouldtaketheadviceofhischief；theywouldbothbeguidedbywhathesaid。Armandwouldconfideinhimto-night，andifitcouldbearrangedshewouldhurryonherpreparationsand，mayhap，bereadytojoinhiminaweek。
　　“Inthemeanwhile，thatcruelmanmustnotriskyourdearlife，“
　　shesaid。“Remember，Armand，yourlifebelongstome。Oh，I
　　couldhatehimfortheloveyoubearhim！”
　　“Sh——sh——sh！”hesaidearnestly。“Dearheart，youmustnotspeaklikethatofthemanwhom，nexttoyourperfectself，Ilovemostuponearth。“
　　“Youthinkofhimmorethanofme。IshallscarceliveuntilI
　　knowthatyouaresafelyoutofParis。“
　　Thoughitwashorribletopart，yetitwasbest，perhaps，thatheshouldgobacktohislodgingsnow，incaseHeronsenthisspiesbacktoherdoor，andsincehemeanttoconsultwithhischief。
　　Shehadavaguehopethatifthemysteriousherowasindeedthenoble-heartedmanwhomArmandrepresentedhimtobe，surelyhewouldtakecompassionontheanxietyofasorrowingwoman，andreleasethemanshelovedfrombondage。
　　Thisthoughtpleasedherandgaveherhope。SheevenurgedArmandnowtogo。
　　“WhenmayIseeyouto-morrow？”heasked。
　　“Butitwillbesodangeroustomeet，“sheargued。
　　“Imustseeyou。Icouldnotlivethroughthedaywithoutseeingyou。“
　　“Thetheatreisthesafestplace。“
　　“Icouldnotwaittilltheevening。MayInotcomehere？”
　　“No，no。Heron'sspiesmaybeabout。“
　　“Wherethen？”
　　Shethoughtitoverforamoment。
　　“Atthestage-doorofthetheatreatoneo'clock，“shesaidatlast。“Weshallhavefinishedrehearsal。Slipintotheguichetoftheconcierge。Iwilltellhimtoadmityou，andsendmydressertomeetyouthere；shewillbringyoualongtomyroom，whereweshallbeundisturbedforatleasthalfanhour。“
　　Hehadperforcetobecontentwiththat，thoughhewouldsomuchratherhaveseenherhereagain，wherethefadedtapestriesandsoft-tonedhangingsmadesuchaperfectbackgroundforherdelicatecharm。HehadeveryintentionofconfidinginBlakeney，andofaskinghishelpforgettingJeanneoutofParisasquicklyasmaybe。
　　Thusthisperfecthourwaspast；themostpure，thefullestofjoythatthesetwoyoungpeoplewereeverdestinedtoknow。Perhapstheyfeltwithinthemselvestheconsciousnessthattheirgreatlovewouldriseanontoyetgreater，fullerperfectionwhenFatehadcrowneditwithhishaloofsorrow。Perhaps，too，itwasthatconsciousnessthatgavetotheirkissesnowthesolemnityofalastfarewell。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　THELEAGUEOFTHESCARLETPIMPERNEL
　　ArmandnevercouldsaydefinitelyafterwardswhitherhewentwhenhelefttheSquareduRoulethatevening。Nodoubthewanderedaboutthestreetsforsometimeinanabsent，mechanicalway，payingnoheedtothepassers-by，nonetothedirectioninwhichhewasgoing。
　　HismindwasfullofJeanne，herbeauty，hercourage，herattitudeinfaceofthehideousbloodhoundwhohadcometopollutethatcharmingold-worldboudoirbyhisloathsomepresence。Herecalledeverywordsheuttered，everygestureshemade。
　　Hewasamaninloveforthefirsttime——wholly，irremediablyinlove。
　　Isupposethatitwasthepangsofhungerthatfirstrecalledhimtohimself。Itwascloseoneighto'clocknow，andhehadfedonhisimaginings——firstonanticipation，thenonrealisation，andlastlyonmemory——duringthebestpartoftheday。Nowheawokefromhisday-dreamtofindhimselftiredandhungry，hutfortunatelynotveryfarfromthatquarterofPariswherefoodiseasilyobtainable。
　　HewassomewhereneartheMadeleine——aquarterheknewwell。Soonhesawinfrontofhimasmalleating-housewhichlookedfairlycleanandorderly。Hepushedopenitsswing-door，andseeinganemptytableinasecludedpartoftheroom，hesatdownandorderedsomesupper。
　　Theplacemadenoimpressionuponhismemory。Hecouldnothavetoldyouanhourlaterwhereitwassituated，whohadservedhim，whathehadeaten，orwhatotherpersonswerepresentinthedining-roomatthetimethathehimselfenteredit。
　　Havingeaten，however，hefeltmorelikehisnormalself——moreconsciousofhisactions。Whenhefinallylefttheeating-house，herealised，forinstance，thatitwasverycold——afactofwhichhehadforthepastfewhoursbeentotallyunaware。Thesnowwasfallinginthincloseflakes，andabitingnorth-easterlywindwasblowingthoseflakesintohisfaceanddownhiscollar。Hewrappedhiscloaktightlyaroundhim。ItwasagoodstepyettoBlakeney'slodgings，whereheknewthathewasexpected。
　　HestruckquicklyintotheRueSt。Honore，avoidingthegreatopenplaceswherethegrimhorrorsofthismagnificentcityinrevoltagainstcivilisationweredisplayedinalltheirgrimnakedness——onthePlacedelaRevolutiontheguillotine，ontheCarrouseltheopen-aircampsofworkersunderthelashofslave-driversmorecruelthantheuncivilisedbrutesoftheFarWest。
　　AndArmandhadtothinkofJeanneinthemidstofallthesehorrors。Shewasstillapettedactressto-day，butwhocouldtellifonthemorrowtheterriblelawofthe“suspect“wouldnotreachherinordertodragherbeforeatribunalthatknewnomercy，andwhosesolejusticewasacondemnation？
　　Theyoungmanhurriedon；hewasanxioustobeamonghisowncomrades，tohearhischief'spleasantvoice，tofeelassuredthatbyallthesacredlawsoffriendshipJeannehenceforthwouldbecomethespecialcareoftheScarletPimpernelandhisleague。
　　BlakeneylodgedinasmallhousesituatedontheQuaidel'Ecole，atthebackofSt。Germainl'Auxerrois，fromwhencehehadaclearanduninterruptedviewacrosstheriver，asfarastheirregularblockofbuildingsoftheChateletprisonandthehouseofJustice。
　　Thesametower-clockthattwocenturiesagohadtolledthesignalforthemassacreoftheHuguenotswasevennowstrikingnine。
　　Armandslippedthroughthehalf-openportecochere，crossedthenarrowdarkcourtyard，andranuptwoflightsofwindingstonestairs。Atthetopofthese，adooronhisrightallowedathinstreakoflighttofiltratebetweenitstwofolds。Anironbellhandlehungbesideit；Armandgaveitapull。
　　Twominuteslaterhewasamongsthisfriends。Heheavedagreatsighofcontentandrelief。Theveryatmospherehereseemedtobedifferent。Asfarasthelodgingitselfwasconcerned，itwasasbare，asdevoidofcomfortasthosesortofplaces——so-calledchambresgarnies——usuallywereinthesedays。Thechairslookedricketyanduninviting，thesofawasofblackhorsehair，thecarpetwasthreadbare，andinplacesinactualholes；buttherewasacertainsomethingintheairwhichrevealed，inthemidstofallthissqualor，thepresenceofamanoffastidioustaste。
　　Tobeginwith，theplacewasspotlesslyclean；thestove，highlypolished，gaveforthapleasingwarmglow，evenwhilstthewindow，slightlyopen，allowedamodicumoffreshairtoentertheroom。
　　InaroughearthenwarejugonthetablestoodalargebunchofChristmasroses，andtotheeducatednostriltheslightscentofperfumesthathoveredintheairwasdoublypleasingafterthefetidairofthenarrowstreets。
　　SirAndrewFfoulkeswasthere，alsomyLordTony，andLordHastings。TheygreetedArmandwithwhole-heartedcheeriness。
　　“WhereisBlakeney？”askedtheyoungmanassoonashehadshakenhisfriendsbythehand。
　　“Present！”cameinloud，pleasantaccentsfromthedoorofaninnerroomontheright。
　　Andtherehestoodunderthelintelofthedoor，themanagainstwhomwasraisedthegianthandofanentirenation——themanforwhoseheadtherevolutionarygovernmentofFrancewouldgladlypayoutallthesavingsofitsTreasury——themanwhomhumanbloodhoundsweretracking，hotonthescent——forwhomthenetsofabitterrevengeandrelentlessreprisalswereconstantlybeingspread。
　　Washeunconsciousofit，ormerelycareless？Hisclosestfriend，SirAndrewFfoulkes，couldnotsay。Certainitisthat，ashenowappearedbeforeArmand，picturesqueaseverinperfectlytailoredclothes，withpricelesslaceatthroatandwrists，hisslenderfingersholdinganenamelledsnuff-boxandahandkerchiefofdelicatecambric，hiswholepersonalitythatofadandyratherthanamanofaction，itseemedimpossibletoconnecthimwiththefoolhardyescapadeswhichhadsetonenationglowingwithenthusiasmandanotherclamouringforrevenge。
　　Butitwasthemagnetismthatemanatedfromhimthatcouldnotbedenied；thelightthatnowandthen，swiftassummerlightning，flashedoutfromthedepthsoftheblueeyesusuallyveiledbyheavy，lazylids，thesuddentighteningoffirmlips，thesettingofthesquarejaw，whichinamoment——butonlyforthespaceofasecond——transformedtheentireface，andrevealedthebornleaderofmen。
　　Justnowtherewasnoneofthatinthedebonnair，easy-goingmanoftheworldwhoadvancedtomeethisfriend。Armandwentquicklyuptohim，gladtograsphishand，slightlytroubledwithremorse，nodoubt，attherecollectionofhisadventureofto-day。Italmostseemedtohimthatfrombeneathhishalf-closedlidsBlakeneyhadshotaquickinquiringglanceuponhim。Thequickflashseemedtolightuptheyoungman'ssoulfromwithin，andtorevealit，naked，tohisfriend。
　　Itwasalloverinamoment，andArmandthoughtthatmayhaphisconsciencehadplayedhimatrick：therewasnothingapparentinhim——ofthishewassure——thatcouldpossiblydivulgehissecretjustyet。
　　“Iamratherlate，Ifear，“hesaid。“Iwanderedaboutthestreetsinthelateafternoonandlostmywayinthedark。IhopeIhavenotkeptyouallwaiting。“
　　Theyallpulledchairscloselyroundthefire，exceptBlakeney，whopreferredtostand。Hewaitedawhileuntiltheywereallcomfortablysettled，andallreadytolisten，then：
　　“ItisabouttheDauphin，“hesaidabruptlywithoutfurtherpreamble。
　　Theyunderstood。Allofthemhadguessedit，almostbeforethesummonscamethathadbroughtthemtoParistwodaysago。SirAndrewFfoulkeshadlefthisyoungwifebecauseofthat，andArmandhaddemandeditasarighttojoinhandsinthisnoblework。BlakeneyhadnotleftFranceforoverthreemonthsnow。
　　BackwardsandforwardsbetweenParis，orNantes，orOrleanstothecoast，wherehisfriendswouldmeethimtoreceivethoseunfortunateswhomoneman'swhole-hearteddevotionhadrescuedfromdeath；backwardsandforwardsintotheveryheartsofthosecitieswhereinanarmyofsleuth-houndswereonhistrack，andtheguillotinewasstretchingoutherarmstocatchthefoolhardyadventurer。
　　NowitwasabouttheDauphin。Theyallwaited，breathlessandeager，thefireofanobleenthusiasmburningintheirhearts。
　　Theywaitedinsilence，theireyesfixedontheleader，lestonesinglewordfromhimshouldfailtoreachtheirears。
　　Thefullmagnetismofthemanwasapparentnow。Asheheldthesefourmenatthismoment，hecouldhaveheldacrowd。Themanoftheworld——thefastidiousdandy——hadshedhismask；therestoodtheleader，calm，sereneintheveryfaceofthemostdeadlydangerthathadeverencompassedanyman，lookingthatdangerfullyintheface，notstrivingtobelittleitortoexaggerateit，butweighingitinthebalancewithwhattherewastoaccomplish：therescueofamartyred，innocentchildfromthehandsoffiendswhoweredestroyinghisverysoulevenmorecompletelythanhisbody。
　　“Everything，Ithink，isprepared，“resumedSirPercyafteraslightpause。“TheSimonshavebeensummarilydismissed；I
　　learnedthatto-day。TheyremovefromtheTempleonSundaynext，thenineteenth。Obviouslythatistheonedaymostlikelytohelpusinouroperations。AsfarasIamconcerned，Icannotmakeanyhard-and-fastplans。Chanceatthelastmomentwillhavetodictate。ButfromeveryoneofyouImusthaveco-operation，anditcanonlybebyyourfollowingmydirectionsimplicitlythatwecanevenremotelyhopetosucceed。“
　　Hecrossedandrecrossedtheroomonceortwicebeforehespokeagain，pausingnowandagaininhiswalkinfrontofalargemapofParisanditsenvironsthathunguponthewall，histallfigureerect，hishandsbehindhisback，hiseyesfixedbeforehimasifhesawrightthroughthewallsofthissqualidroom，andacrossthedarknessthatoverhungthecity，throughthegrimbastionsofthemightybuildingfaraway，wherethedescendantofanhundredkingslivedatthemercyofhumanfiendswhoworkedforhisabasement。
　　Theman'sfacenowwasthatofaseerandavisionary；thefirmlinesweresetandrigidasthoseofanimagecarvedinstone——thestatueofheart-wholedevotion，withtheself-imposedtaskbeckoningsternlytofollow，therewherelurkeddangeranddeath。
　　“Theway，Ithink，inwhichwecouldbestsucceedwouldbethis，“
　　heresumedafterawhile，sittingnowontheedgeofthetableanddirectlyfacinghisfourfriends。Thelightfromthelampwhichstooduponthetablebehindhimfellfulluponthosefourglowingfacesfixedeagerlyuponhim，buthehimselfwasinshadow，amassivesilhouettebroadlycutoutagainstthelight-colouredmaponthewallbeyond。
　　“Iremainhere，ofcourse，untilSunday，“hesaid，“andwillcloselywatchmyopportunity，whenIcanwiththegreatestamountofsafetyentertheTemplebuildingandtakepossessionofthechild。Ishall，ofcoursechoosethemomentwhentheSimonsareactuallyonthemove，withtheirsuccessorsprobablycominginataboutthesametime。Godaloneknows，“headdedearnestly，“howI
　　shallcontrivetogetpossessionofthechild；atthemomentIamjustasmuchinthedarkaboutthatasyouare。“
　　Hepausedamoment，andsuddenlyhisgravefaceseemedfloodedwithsunshine，akindoflazymerrimentdancedinhiseyes，effacingalltraceofsolemnitywithinthem。
　　“La！”hesaidlightly，“ononepointIamnotatallinthedark，andthatisthatHisMajestyKingLouisXVIIwillcomeoutofthatuglyhouseinmycompanynextSunday，thenineteenthdayofJanuaryinthisyearofgraceseventeenhundredandninety-four；
　　andthis，too，doIknow——thatthosemurderousblackguardsshallnotlayhandsonmewhilstthatpreciousburdenisinmykeeping。
　　SoIprayyou，mygoodArmand，donotlooksoglum，“headdedwithhispleasant，merrylaugh；“you'llneedallyourwitsaboutyoutohelpusinourundertaking。“
　　“Whatdoyouwishmetodo，Percy？”saidtheyoungmansimply。
　　“InonemomentIwilltellyou。Iwantyoualltounderstandthesituationfirst。ThechildwillbeoutoftheTempleonSunday，butatwhathourIknownot。Thelateritwillbethebetterwoulditsuitmypurpose，forIcannotgethimoutofParisbeforeeveningwithanychanceofsafety。Herewemustrisknothing；thechildisfarbetteroffasheisnowthanhewouldbeifheweredraggedbackafteranabortiveattemptatrescue。Butatthishourofthenight，betweennineandteno'clock，IcanarrangetogethimoutofParisbytheVillettegate，andthatiswhereI
　　wantyou，Ffoulkes，andyou，Tony，tobe，withsomekindofcoveredcart，yourselvesinanydisguiseyouringenuitywillsuggest。Hereareafewcertificatesofsafety；Ihavebeenmakingacollectionofthemforsometime，astheyarealwaysuseful。“
　　Hedivedintothewidepocketofhiscoatanddrewforthanumberofcards，greasy，much-fingereddocumentsoftheusualpatternwhichtheCommitteeofGeneralSecuritydeliveredtothefreecitizensofthenewrepublic，andwithoutwhichnoonecouldenterorleaveanytownorcountrycommunewithoutbeingdetainedas“suspect。“HeglancedatthemandhandedthemovertoFfoulkes。
　　“Chooseyourownidentityfortheoccasion，mygoodfriend，“hesaidlightly；“andyoutoo，Tony。Youmaybestonemasonsorcoal-carriers，chimney-sweepsorfarm-labourers，Icarenotwhichsolongasyoulooksufficientlygrimyandwretchedtobeunrecognisable，andsolongasyoucanprocureacartwithoutarousingsuspicions，andcanwaitformepunctuallyattheappointedspot。“
　　Ffoulkesturnedoverthecards，andwithalaughhandedthemovertoLordTony。Thetwofastidiousgentlemendiscussedforawhiletherespectivemeritsofachimney-sweep'suniformasagainstthatofacoal-carrier。
　　“Youcancarrymoregrimeifyouareasweep，“suggestedBlakeney；
　　“andifthesootgetsintoyoureyesitdoesnotmakethemsmartlikecoaldoes。“
　　“Butsootadheresmoreclosely，“arguedTonysolemnly，“andIknowthatweshan'tgetabathforatleastaweekafterwards。“
　　“Certainlyyouwon't，yousybarite！”assertedSirPercywithalaugh。
　　“Afteraweeksootmightbecomepermanent，“musedSirAndrew，wonderingwhat，underthecircumstance，myladywouldsaytohim。
　　“Ifyouarebothsofastidious，“retortedBlakeney，shrugginghisbroadshoulders，“I'llturnoneofyouintoareddleman，andtheotherintoadyer。Thenoneofyouwillbebrightscarlettotheendofhisdays，asthereddlenevercomesofftheskinatall，andtheotherwillhavetosoakinturpentinebeforethedyewillconsenttomove……Ineithercase……oh，mydearTony！……thesmell……“
　　Helaughedlikeaschoolboyinanticipationofaprank，andheldhisscentedhandkerchieftohisnose。MyLordHastingschuckledaudibly，andTonypunchedhimforthisunseemlydisplayofmirth。