PARTII
　　CHAPTERXXIV
　　THENEWS
　　ThegreyJanuarydaywasfalling，drowsy，anddullintothearmsofnight。
　　Marguerite，sittingintheduskbesidethefireinhersmallboudoir，shiveredalittleasshedrewherscarfcloserroundhershoulders。
　　Edwards，thebutler，enteredwiththelamp。Theroomlookedpeculiarlycheerynow，withthedelicatewhitepanellingofthewallglowingtinderthesoftkissoftheflickeringfirelightandthesteadierglowoftherose-shadedlamp。
　　“Hasthecouriernotarrivedyet，Edwards？”askedMarguerite，fixingtheimpassivefaceofthewell-drilledservantwithherlargepurple-rimmedeyes。
　　“Notyet，m'lady，“herepliedplacidly。
　　“Itishisday，isitnot？”
　　“Yes，m'lady。Andtheforenoonishistime。Buttherehavebeenheavyrains，andtheroadsmustberaremuddy。Hemusthavebeendelayed，m'lady。“
　　“Yes，Isupposeso，“shesaidlistlessly。“Thatwilldo，Edwards。
　　No，don'tclosetheshutters。I'llringpresently。“
　　Themanwentoutoftheroomasautomaticallyashehadcome。Heclosedthedoorbehindhim，andMargueritewasoncemorealone。
　　Shepickedupthebookwhichshehadfingeredidlybeforethelightgaveout。ShetriedoncemoretofixherattentiononthistaleofloveandadventurewrittenbyMr。Fielding；butshehadlostthethreadofthestory，andtherewasamistbetweenhereyesandtheprintedpages。
　　Withanimpatientgestureshethrewdownthebookandpassedherhandacrosshereyes，thenseemedastonishedtofindthatherhandwaswet。
　　Sheroseandwenttothewindow。Theairoutsidehadbeensingularlymildallday；thethawwaspersisting，andasouthwindcameacrosstheChannel——fromFrance。
　　Margueritethrewopenthecasementandsatdownonthewidesill，leaningherheadagainstthewindow-frame，andgazingoutintothefastgatheringgloom。Fromfaraway，atthefootofthegentlyslopinglawns，therivermurmuredsoftlyinthenight；intheborderstotherightandleftafewsnowdropsstillshowedliketinywhitespecksthroughthesurroundingdarkness。Winterhadbeguntheprocessofslowlysheddingitsmantle，coquettingwithSpring，whostilllingeredinthelandofInfinity。Graduallytheshadowsdrewcloserandcloser；thereedsandrushesontheriverbankwerethefirsttosinkintotheirembrace，thenthebigcedarsonthelawn，majesticanddefiant，butyieldingstillunconqueredtothepowerofnight。
　　Thetinystarsofsnowdropblossomsvanishedonebyone，andatlastthecool，greyribbonoftheriversurfacewaswrappedunderthemantleofevening。
　　Onlythesouthwindlingeredon，soughinggentlyinthedrowsyreeds，whisperingamongthebranchesofthecedars，andgentlystirringthetendercorollasofthesleepingsnowdrops。
　　Margueriteseemedtoopenoutherlungstoitsbreath。IthadcomeallthewayfromFrance，andonitswingshadbroughtsomethingofPercy——amurmurasifhehadspoken——amemorythatwasasintangibleasadream。
　　Sheshiveredagain，thoughofatruthitwasnotcold。Thecourier'sdelayhadcompletelyunsettledhernerves。TwiceaweekhecameespeciallyfromDover，andalwayshebroughtsomemessage，sometokenwhichPercyhadcontrivedtosendfromParis。Theywereliketinyscrapsofdrybreadthrowntoastarvingwoman，buttheydidjusthelptokeepherheartalive——thatpoor，aching，disappointedheartthatsolongedforenduringhappinesswhichitcouldneverget。
　　Themanwhomshelovedwithallhersoul，hermindandherbody，didnotbelongtoher；hebelongedtosufferinghumanityoverthereinterror-strickenFrance，wherethecriesoftheinnocent，thepersecuted，thewretchedcalledloudertohimthansheinherlovecoulddo。
　　Hehadbeenawaythreemonthsnow，duringwhichtimeherstarvinghearthadfedonitsmemories，andthehappinessofabriefvisitfromhimsixweeksago，when——quiteunexpectedly——hehadappearedbeforeher……homebetweentwodesperateadventuresthathadgivenlifeandfreedomtoanumberofinnocentpeople，andnearlycosthimhis——andshehadlaininhisarmsinaswoonofperfecthappiness。
　　Butbehadgoneawayagainassuddenlyashehadcome，andforsixweeksnowshehadlivedpartlyinanticipationofthecourierwithmessagesfromhim，andpartlyonthefitfuljoyengenderedbythesemessages。To-dayshehadnoteventhat，andthedisappointmentseemedjustnowmorethanshecouldbear。
　　Shefeltunaccountablyrestless，andcouldshebuthaveanalysedherfeelings——hadshedaredsotodo——shewouldhaverealisedthattheweightwhichoppressedherheartsothatshecouldhardlybreathe，wasoneofvagueyetdarkforeboding。
　　Sheclosedthewindowandreturnedtoherseatbythefire，takingupherhookwiththestrongresolutionnottoallowhernervestogetthebetterofher。Butitwasdifficulttopinone'sattentiondowntotheadventuresofMasterTomJoneswhenone'smindwasfullyengrossedwiththoseofSirPercyBlakeney。
　　Thesoundofcarriagewheelsonthegravelledforecourtinthefrontofthehousesuddenlyawakenedherdrowsysenses。Shethrewdownthebook，andwithtremblinghandsclutchedthearmsofherchair，strainingherearstolisten。Acarriageatthishour——andonthisdampwinter'sevening！Sherackedhermindwonderingwhoitcouldbe。
　　LadyFfoulkeswasinLondon，sheknew。SirAndrew，ofcourse，wasinParis。HisRoyalHighness，everafaithfulvisitor，wouldsurelynotventureouttoRichmondinthisinclementweather——andthecourieralwayscameonhorseback。
　　Therewasamurmurofvoices；thatofEdwards，mechanicalandplacid，couldbeheardquitedistinctlysaying：
　　“I'msurethatherladyshipwillbeathomeforyou，m'lady。ButI'llgoandascertain。“
　　Margueriterantothedoorandwithjoyfuleagernesstoreitopen。
　　“Suzanne！”shecalled“mylittleSuzanne！IthoughtyouwereinLondon。Comeupquickly！Intheboudoir——yes。Oh！whatgoodfortunehathbroughtyou？”
　　Suzanneflewintoherarms，holdingthefriendwhomshelovedsowellcloseandclosertoherheart，tryingtohideherface，whichwaswetwithtears，inthefoldsofMarguerite'skerchief。
　　“Comeinside，mydarling，“saidMarguerite。“Why，howcoldyourlittlehandsare！”
　　Shewasonthepointofturningbacktoherboudoir，drawingLadyFfoulkesbythehand，whensuddenlyshecaughtsightofSirAndrew，whostoodatalittledistancefromher，atthetopofthestairs。
　　“SirAndrew！”sheexclaimedwithunstintedgladness。
　　Thenshepaused。Thecryofwelcomediedonherlips，leavingthemdryandparted。Shesuddenlyfeltasifsomefearfultalonshadgrippedherheartandweretearingatitwithsharp，longnails；thebloodflewfromhercheeksandfromherlimbs，leavingherwithasenseoficynumbness。
　　Shebackedintotheroom，stillholdingSuzanne'shand，anddrawingherinwithher。SirAndrewfollowedthem，thenclosedthedoorbehindhim。AtlastthewordescapedMarguerite'sparchedlips：
　　“Percy！Somethinghashappenedtohim！Heisdead？”
　　“No，no！”exclaimedSirAndrewquickly。
　　Suzanneputherlovingarmsroundherfriendanddrewherdownintothechairbythefire。Shekneltatherfeetonthehearthrug，andpressedherownburninglipsonMarguerite'sicy-coldhands。SirAndrewstoodsilentlyby，aworldoflovingfriendship，ofheart-brokensorrow，inhiseyes。
　　Therewassilenceintheprettywhite-panelledroomforawhile。
　　Margueritesatwithhereyesclosed，bringingthewholearmouryofherwillpowertobearherupoutwardlynow。
　　“Tellme！”shesaidatlast，andhervoicewastonelessanddull，likeonethatcamefromthedepthsofagrave——“tellme——exactly——
　　everything。Don'tbeafraid。Icanbearit。Don'tbeafraid。“
　　SirAndrewremainedstanding，withbowedheadandonehandrestingonthetable。Inafirm，clearvoicehetoldhertheeventsofthepastfewdaysastheywereknowntohim。AllthathetriedtohidewasArmand'sdisobedience，which，inhisheart，hefeltwastheprimarycauseofthecatastrophe。HetoldoftherescueoftheDauphinfromtheTemple，themidnightdriveinthecoal-cart，themeetingwithHastingsandTonyinthespinney。HeonlygavevagueexplanationsofArmand'sstayinPariswhichcausedPercytogobacktothecity，evenatthemomentwhenhismostdaringplanhadbeensosuccessfullycarriedthrough。
　　“Armand，Iunderstand，hasfalleninlovewithabeautifulwomaninParis，LadyBlakeney，“hesaid，seeingthatastrange，puzzledlookhadappearedinMarguerite'spaleface。“ShewasarrestedthedaybeforetherescueoftheDauphinfromtheTemple。Armandcouldnotjoinus。Hefeltthathecouldnotleaveher。Iamsurethatyouwillunderstand。“
　　Thenasshemadenocomment，heresumedhisnarrative：
　　“IhadbeenorderedtogobacktoLaVillette，andtheretoresumemydutiesasalabourerintheday-time，andtowaitforPercyduringthenight。ThefactthatIhadreceivednomessagefromhimfortwodayshadmademesomewhatworried，butIhavesuchfaithinhim，suchbeliefinhisgoodluckandhisingenuity，thatIwouldnotallowmyselftobereallyanxious。ThenonthethirddayIheardthenews。“
　　“Whatnews？”askedMargueritemechanically。
　　“ThattheEnglishmanwhowasknownastheScarletPimpernelhadbeencapturedinahouseintheRuedeIaCroixBlanche，andhadbeenimprisonedintheConciergerie。“
　　“TheRuedelaCroixBlanche？Whereisthat？”
　　“IntheMontmartrequarter。Armandlodgedthere。Percy，I
　　imagine，wasworkingtogethimaway；andthosebrutescapturedhim。“
　　“Havingheardthenews，SirAndrew，whatdidyoudo？”
　　“IwentintoParisandascertaineditstruth。“
　　“Andthereisnodoubtofit？”
　　“Alas，none！IwenttothehouseintheRuedelaCroixBlanche。
　　Armandhaddisappeared。Isucceededininducingtheconciergetotalk。Sheseemstohavebeendevotedtoherlodger。Amidsttearsshetoldmesomeofthedetailsofthecapture。Canyoubeartohearthem，LadyBlakeney？”
　　“Yes——tellmeeverything——don'tbeafraid，“shereiteratedwiththesamedullmonotony。
　　“ItappearsthatearlyontheTuesdaymorningthesonoftheconcierge——aladaboutfifteen——wassentoffbyherlodgerwithamessagetoNo。9RueSt。Germainl'Auxerrois。ThatwasthehousewherePercywasstayingalllastweek，wherehekeptdisguisesandsoonforusall，andwheresomeofourmeetingswereheld。PercyevidentlyexpectedthatArmandwouldtryandcommunicatewithhimatthataddress，forwhentheladarrivedinfrontofthehousehewasaccosted——sohesays——byabig，roughworkman，whobrowbeathimintogivingupthelodger'sletter，andfinallypressedapieceofgoldintohishand。TheworkmanwasBlakeney，ofcourse。
　　IimaginethatArmand，atthetimethathewrotetheletter，musthavebeenunderthebeliefthatMademoiselleLangewasstillinprison；hecouldnotknowthenthatBlakeneyhadalreadygotherintocomparativesafety。Intheletterhemusthavespokenoftheterribleplightinwhichhestood，andalsoofhisfearsforthewomanwhomheloved。Percywasnotthemantoleaveacomradeinthelurch！Hewouldnotbethemanwhomweallloveandadmire，whosewordweallobey，forwhosesakewewouldgladlyallofusgiveourlife——hewouldnotbethatmanifhedidnotbraveevencertaindangersinordertobeofhelptothosewhocallonhim。
　　ArmandcalledandPercywenttohim。HemusthaveknownthatArmandwasbeingspiedupon，forArmand，alas！wasalreadyamarkedman，andthewatch-dogsofthoseinfernalcommitteeswerealreadyonhisheels。Whetherthesesleuth-houndshadfollowedthesonoftheconciergeandseenhimgivethelettertotheworkmanintheRueSt。Germainl'Auxerrois，orwhethertheconciergeintheRuedeIaCroixBlanchewasnothingbutaspyofHeron's，or，againwhethertheCommitteeofGeneralSecuritykeptacompanyofsoldiersinconstantalertinthathouse，weshall，ofcourse，neverknow。AllthatIdoknowisthatPercyenteredthatfatalhouseathalf-pastten，andthataquarterofanhourlatertheconciergesawsomeofthesoldiersdescendingthestairs，carryingaheavyburden。Shepeepedoutofherlodge，andbythelightinthecorridorshesawthattheheavyburdenwasthebodyofamanboundcloselywithropes：hiseyeswereclosed，hisclotheswerestainedwithblood。Hewasseeminglyunconscious。
　　ThenextdaytheofficialorganoftheGovernmentproclaimedthecaptureoftheScarletPimpernel，andtherewasapublicholidayinhonouroftheevent。“
　　Margueritehadlistenedtothisterriblenarrativedry-eyedandsilent。Nowshestillsatthere，hardlyconsciousofwhatwentonaroundher——ofSuzanne'stears，thatfellunceasinglyuponherfingers——ofSirAndrew，whohadsunkintoachair，andburiedhisheadinhishands。Shewashardlyconsciousthatshelived；theuniverseseemedtohavestoodstillbeforethisawful，monstrouscataclysm。
　　But，nevertheless，shewasthefirsttoreturntotheactiverealitiesofthepresent。
　　“SirAndrew，“shesaidafterawhile，“tellme，wherearemyLordsTonyandHastings？”
　　“AtCalais，madam，“hereplied。“Isawthemthereonmywayhither。TheyhaddeliveredtheDauphinsafelyintothehandsofhisadherentsatMantes，andwereawaitingBlakeney'sfurtherorders，ashehadcommandedthemtodo。“
　　“Willtheywaitforusthere，thinkyou？”
　　“Forus，LadyBlakeney？”heexclaimedinpuzzlement。
　　“Yes，forus，SirAndrew，“shereplied，whilsttheghostofasmileflittedacrossherdrawnface；“youhadthoughtofaccompanyingmetoParis，hadyounot？”
　　“ButLadyBlakeney——“
　　“Ah！Iknowwhatyouwouldsay，SirAndrew。Youwillspeakofdangers，ofrisks，ofdeath，mayhap；youwilltellmethatIasawomancandonothingtohelpmyhusband——thatIcouldbebutahindrancetohim，justasIwasinBoulogne。Buteverythingissodifferentnow。Whilstthosebrutesplannedhiscapturehewascleverenoughtooutwitthem，butnowtheyhaveactuallygothim，thinkyouthey'lllethimescape？They'llwatchhimnightandday，myfriend，justastheywatchedtheunfortunateQueen；butthey'llnotkeephimmonths，weeks，orevendaysinprison——evenChauvelinnowwillnolongerattempttoplaywiththeScarletPimpernel。Theyhavehim，andtheywillholdhimuntilsuchtimeastheytakehimtotheguillotine。“
　　Hervoicebrokeinasob；herself-controlwasthreateningtoleaveher。Shewasbutawoman，youngandpassionatelyinlovewiththemanwhowasabouttodieanignominiousdeath，farawayfromhiscountry，hiskindred，hisfriends。
　　“Icannotlethimdiealone，SirAndrew；hewillbelongingforme，and——and，afterall，thereisyou，andmyLordTony，andLordHastingsandtheothers；surely——surelywearenotgoingtolethimdie，notlikethat，andnotalone。“
　　“Youareright，LadyBlakeney，“saidSirAndrewearnestly；“wearenotgoingtolethimdie，ifhumanagencycandoaughttosavehim。AlreadyTony，HastingsandIhaveagreedtoreturntoParis。
　　ThereareoneortwohiddenplacesinandaroundthecityknownonlytoPercyandtothemembersoftheLeaguewherehemustfindoneormoreofusifhesucceedsingettingaway。AllthewaybetweenParisandCalaiswehaveplacesofrefuge，placeswhereanyofuscanhideatagivenmoment；wherewecanfinddisguiseswhenwewantthem，orhorsesinanemergency。No！no！wearenotgoingtodespair，LadyBlakeney；therearenineteenofuspreparedtolaydownourlivesfortheScarletPimpernel。AlreadyI，ashislieutenant，havebeenselectedastheleaderofasdeterminedagangashaseverenteredonaworkofrescuebefore。WeleaveforParisto-morrow，andifhumanpluckanddevotioncandestroymountainsthenwe'lldestroythem。Ourwatchwordis：'GodsavetheScarletPimpernel。'“
　　Hekneltbesideherchairandkissedthecoldfingerswhich，withasadlittlesmile，sheheldouttohim。
　　“AndGodblessyouall！”shemurmured。
　　Suzannehadrisentoherfeetwhenherhusbandknelt；nowhestoodupbesideher。Thedaintyyoungwomanhardlymorethanachild——
　　wasdoingherbesttorestrainhertears。
　　“SeehowselfishIam，“saidMarguerite。“Italkcalmlyoftakingyourhusbandfromyou，whenImyselfknowthebitternessofsuchpartings。“
　　“Myhusbandwillgowherehisdutycallshim，“saidSuzannewithcharmingandsimpledignity。“Ilovehimwithallmyheart，becauseheisbraveandgood。Hecouldnotleavehiscomrade，whoisalsohischief，inthelurch。Godwillprotecthim，Iknow。I
　　wouldnotaskhimtoplaythepartofacoward。“
　　Herbrowneyesglowedwithpride。Shewasthetruewifeofasoldier，andwithallherdaintywaysandchildlikemannersshewasasplendidwomanandastaunchfriend。SirPercyBlakeneybadsavedherentirefamilyfromdeath，theComteandComtessedeTournai，theVicomte，herbrother，andsheherselfallowedtheirlivestotheScarletPimpernel。
　　Thisshewasnotliketoforget。
　　“Thereisbutlittledangerforus，Ifearme，“saidSirAndrewlightly；“therevolutionaryGovernmentonlywantstostrikeatahead，itcaresnothingforthelimbs。Perhapsitfeelsthatwithoutourleaderweareenemiesnotworthyofpersecution。Ifthereareanydangers，somuchthebetter，“headded；“butIdon'tanticipateany，unlesswesucceedinfreeingourchief；andhavingfreedhim，wefearnothingmore。“
　　“Thesameappliestome，SirAndrew，“rejoinedMargueriteearnestly。
　　“NowthattheyhavecapturedPercy，thosehumanfiendswillcarenaughtforme。IfyousucceedinfreeingPercyI，likeyou，willhavenothingmoretofear，andifyoufail——“
　　Shepausedandputhersmall，whitehandonSirAndrew'sarm。
　　“Takemewithyou，SirAndrew，“sheentreated；“donotcondemnmetotheawfultortureofwearywaiting，dayafterday，wondering，guessing，neverdaringtohope，lesthopedeferredbemorehardtobearthandrearyhopelessness。“
　　ThenasSirAndrew，veryundecided，yethalfinclinedtoyield，stoodsilentandirresolute，shepressedherpoint，gentlybutfirmlyinsistent。
　　“Iwouldnotheintheway，SirAndrew；Iwouldknowhowtoeffacemyselfsoasnottointerferewithyourplans。But，oh！”sheadded，whileaquiveringnoteofpassiontrembledinhervoice，“can'tyouseethatImustbreathetheairthathebreatheselseI
　　shallstifleormayhapgomad？”
　　SirAndrewturnedtohiswife，amutequeryinhiseyes。
　　“Youwoulddoaninhumanandacruelact，“saidSuzannewithseriousnessthatsatquaintlyonherbabyface，“ifyoudidnotaffordyourprotectiontoMarguerite，forIdobelievethatifyoudidnottakeherwithyouto-morrowshewouldgotoParisalone。“
　　Margueritethankedherfriendwithhereyes。Suzannewasachildinnature，butshehadawoman'sheart。Shelovedherhusband，and，therefore，knewandunderstoodwhatMargueritemustbesufferingnow。
　　SirAndrewnolongercouldresisttheunfortunatewoman'searnestpleading。Frankly，hethoughtthatifsheremainedinEnglandwhilePercywasinsuchdeadlyperilsheranthegraveriskoflosingherreasonbeforetheterriblestrainofsuspense。Heknewhertobeawomanofcourage，andonecapableofgreatphysicalendurance；andreallyhewasquitehonestwhenhesaidthathedidnotbelievetherewouldbemuchdangerfortheheadlessLeagueoftheScarletPimpernelunlesstheysucceededinfreeingtheirchief。Andiftheydidsucceed，thenindeedtherewouldbenothingtofear，forthebraveandlovingwifewho，likeeverytruewomandoes，andhasdoneinlikecircumstancessincethebeginningoftime，wasonlydemandingwithpassionateinsistencetherighttosharethefate，goodorill，ofthemanwhomsheloved。
　　CHAPTERXXV
　　PARISONCEMORE
　　SirAndrewhadjustcomein。Hewastryingtogetalittlewarmthintohishalf-frozenlimbs，forthecoldhadsetinagain，andthistimewithrenewedvigour，andMargueritewaspouringoutacupofhotcoffeewhichshehadbeenbrewingforhim。Shehadnotaskedfornews。Sheknewthathehadnonetogiveher，elsehehadnotwornthatwearied，despondentlookinhiskindface。
　　“I'lljusttryonemoreplacethisevening，“hesaidassoonashehadswallowedsomeofthehotcoffee——“arestaurantintheRuedelaHarpe；themembersoftheCordeliers'Cluboftengothereforsupper，andtheyareusuallywellinformed。Imightgleansomethingdefinitethere。“
　　“Itseemsverystrangethattheyaresoslowinbringinghimtotrial，“saidMargueriteinthatdull，tonelessvoicewhichhadbecomehabitualtoher。“Whenyoufirstbroughtmetheawfulnewsthat……Imadesurethattheywouldbringhimtotrialatonce，andwasinterrorlestwearrivedheretoolateto——toseehim。“
　　Shecheckedherselfquickly，bravelytryingtostillthequiverofhervoice。
　　“AndofArmand？”sheasked。
　　Heshookhisheadsadly。
　　“WithregardtohimIamatastillgreaterloss，“hesaid：“I
　　cannotfindhisnameonanyoftheprisonregisters，andIknowthatheisnotintheConciergerie。Theyhaveclearedoutalltheprisonersfromthere；thereisonlyPercy——“
　　“PoorArmandI“shesighed；“itmustbealmostworseforhimthanforanyofus；itwashisfirstactofthoughtlessdisobediencethatbroughtallthismiseryuponourheads。“
　　Shespokesadlybutquietly。SirAndrewnotedthattherewasnobitternessinhertone。Butherveryquietudewasheart-breaking；
　　therewassuchaninfinityofdespairinthecalmofhereyes。
　　“Well！thoughwecannotunderstanditall，LadyBlakeney，“hesaidwithforcedcheerfulness，“wemustrememberonething——thatwhilstthereislifethereishope。“
　　“Hope！”sheexclaimedwithaworldofpathosinhersigh，herlargeeyesdryandcircled，fixedwithindescribablesorrowonherfriend'sface。
　　Ffoulkesturnedhisheadaway，pretendingtobusyhimselfwiththecoffee-makingutensils。Hecouldnotbeartoseethatlookofhopelessnessinherface，forinhishearthecouldnotfindthewherewithaltocheerher。Despairwasbeginningtoseizeonhimtoo，andthishewouldnotlethersee。
　　TheyhadbeeninParisthreedaysnow，anditwassixdayssinceBlakeneyhadbeenarrested。SirAndrewandMargueritehadfoundtemporarylodgingsinsideParis，TonyandHastingswerejustoutsidethegates，andallalongtheroutebetweenParisandCalais，atSt。Germain，atMantes，inthevillagesbetweenBeauvaisandAmiens，wherevermoneycouldobtainfriendlyhelp，membersofthedevotedLeagueoftheScarletPimpernellayinhiding，waitingtoaidtheirchief。
　　FfoulkeshadascertainedthatPercywaskeptacloseprisonerintheConciergerie，intheveryroomsoccupiedbyMarieAntoinetteduringthelastmonthsofherlife。HeleftpoorMargueritetoguesshowcloselythatelusiveScarletPimpernelwasbeingguarded，theprecautionssurroundinghimbeingevenmoreminutethanthosewhichbadmadetheunfortunateQueen'sclosingdaysamartyrdomforher。
　　ButofArmandhecouldgleannosatisfactorynews，onlythenegativeprobabilitythathewasnotdetainedinanyofthelargerprisonsofParis，asnoregisterwhichhe，Ffoulkes，solaboriouslyconsultedborerecordofthenameofSt。Just。
　　HauntingtherestaurantsanddrinkingboothswherethemostadvancedJacobinsandTerroristswerewonttomeet，behadlearnedoneortwodetailsofBlakeney'sincarcerationwhichhecouldnotpossiblyimparttoMarguerite。ThecaptureofthemysteriousEnglishmanknownastheScarletPimpernelhadcreatedagreatdealofpopularsatisfaction；butitwasobviousthatnotonlywasthepublicmindnotallowedtoassociatethatcapturewiththeescapeoflittleCapetfromtheTemple，butitsoonbecamecleartoFfoulkesthatthenewsofthatescapewasstillbeingkeptaprofoundsecret。
　　OnoneoccasionhehadsucceededinspyingontheChiefAgentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity，whomheknewbysight，whilethelatterwassittingatdinnerinthecompanyofastout，floridmanwithpock-markedfaceandpodgyhandscoveredwithrings。
　　SirAndrewmarvelledwhothismanmightbe。HeronspoketohiminambiguousphrasesthatwouldhavebeenunintelligibletoanyonewhodidnotknowthecircumstancesoftheDauphin'sescapeandthepartthattheLeagueoftheScarletPimpernelhadplayedinit。
　　ButtoSirAndrewFfoulkes，who——cleverlydisguisedasafarrier，grimyafterhisday'swork——wasstraininghisearstolistenwhilstapparentlyconsuminghugeslabsofboiledbeef，itsoonbecamedearthatthechiefagentandhisfatfriendweretalkingoftheDauphinandofBlakeney。
　　“Hewon'tholdoutmuchlonger，citizen，“thechiefagentwassayinginaconfidentvoice；“ourmenareabsolutelyunremittingintheirtask。Twoofthemwatchhimnightandday；theylookafterhimwell，andpracticallyneverlosesightofhim，butthemomenthetriestogetanysleeponeofthemrushesintothecellwithaloudbangingofbayonetandsabre，andnoisytreadontheflagstones，andshoutsatthetopofhisvoice：'Nowthen，aristo，where'sthebrat？Tellusnow，andyoushallhedownandgotosleep。'Ihavedoneitmyselfallthroughonedayjustforthepleasureofit。It'salittletiringforyoutohavetoshoutagooddealnow，andsometimesgivethecursedEnglishmanagoodshake-up。Hehashadfivedaysofit，andnotonewinkofsleepduringthattime——notonesingleminuteofrest——andheonlygetsenoughfoodtokeephimalive。Itellyouhecan'tlast。CitizenChauvelinhadasplendidideathere。Itwillallcomerightinadayortwo。“
　　“H'm！”gruntedtheothersulkily；“thoseEnglishmenaretough。“
　　“Yes！”retortedHeronwithagrimlaughandaleerofsavagerythatmadehisgauntfacelookpositivelyhideous——“youwouldhavegivenoutafterthreedays，frienddeBatz，wouldyounot？AndI
　　warnedyou，didn'tI？ItoldyouifyoutamperedwiththebratI
　　wouldmakeyoucryinmercytomefordeath。“
　　“AndIwarnedyou，“saidtheotherimperturbably，“nottoworrysomuchaboutme，buttokeepyoureyesopenforthosecursedEnglishmen。“
　　“Iamkeepingmyeyesopenforyou，nevertheless，myfriend。IfI
　　thoughtyouknewwherethevermin'sspawnwasatthismomentI
　　would——“
　　“Youwouldputmeonthesamerackthatyouoryourpreciousfriend，Chauvelin，havedevisedfortheEnglishman。ButIdon'tknowwheretheladis。IfIdidIwouldnotbeinParis。“
　　“Iknowthat，“assentedHeronwithasneer；“youwouldsoonbeafterthereward——overinAustria，what？——butIhaveyourmovementstrackeddayandnight，myfriend。Idaresayyouareasanxiousasweareastothewhereaboutsofthechild。Hadhebeentakenoverthefrontieryouwouldhavebeenthefirsttohearofit，eh？No，“headdedconfidently，andasifanxioustoreassurehimself，“myfirmbeliefisthattheoriginalideaoftheseconfoundedEnglishmenwastotryandgetthechildovertoEngland，andthattheyaloneknowwhereheis。Itellyouitwon'tbemanydaysbeforethatverywitheredScarletPimpernelwillorderhisfollowerstogivelittleCapetuptous。Oh！theyarehangingaboutParissomeofthem，Iknowthat；citizenChauvelinisconvincedthatthewifeisn'tveryfaraway。Giveherasightofherhusbandnow，sayI，andshe'llmaketheothersgivethechildupsoonenough。“
　　Themanlaughedlikesomehyenagloatingoveritsprey。SirAndrewnearlybetrayedhimselfthen。HehadtodighisnailsintohisownfleshtopreventhimselffromspringingthenandthereatthethroatofthatwretchwhosemonstrousingenuityhadinventedtortureforthefallenenemyfarworsethananythatthecrueltiesofmedievalInquisitionshaddevised。
　　Sotheywouldnotlethimsleep！Asimpleideaborninthebrainofafiend。HeronhadspokenofChauvelinastheoriginatorofthedevilry；amanweakeneddeliberatelydaybydaybyinsufficientfood，andthehorribleprocessofdenyinghimrest。Itseemedinconceivablethathuman，sentientbeingsshouldhavethoughtofsuchathing。PerspirationstoodupinbeadsonSirAndrew'sbrowwhenhethoughtofhisfriend，broughtdownbywantofsleepto——
　　what？Hisphysiquewassplendidlypowerful，butcoulditstandagainstsuchrackingtormentforlong？Andtheclear，thealertmind，theschemingbrain，therecklessdaring——howsoonwouldthesebecomeenfeebledbytheslow，steadytortureofanutterwantofrest？
　　Ffoulkeshadtosmotheracryofhorror，whichsurelymusthavedrawntheattentionofthatfiendonhimselfhadhenotbeensoengrossedintheenjoymentofhisowndevilry。Asitis，heranoutofthestuffyeating-house，forhefeltasifitsfetidairmustchokehim。
　　Foranhourafterthathewanderedaboutthestreets，notdaringtofaceMarguerite，lesthiseyesbetrayedsomeofthehorrorwhichwasshakinghisverysoul。
　　Thatwastwenty-fourhoursago。To-dayhehadlearntlittleelse。
　　ItwasgenerallyknownthattheEnglishmanwasintheConciergerieprison，thathewasbeingcloselywatched，andthathistrialwouldcomeonwithinthenextfewdays；butnooneseemedtoknowexactlywhen。Thepublicwasgettingrestive，demandingthattrialandexecutiontowhicheveryoneseemedtolookforwardastoaholiday。InthemeanwhiletheescapeoftheDauphinhadbeenkeptfromtheknowledgeofthepublic；Heronandhisgang，fearingfortheirlives，hadstillhopesofextractingfromtheEnglishmanthesecretofthelad'shiding-place，andthemeanstheyemployedforarrivingatthisendwasworthyofLuciferandhishostofdevilsinhell。
　　FromotherfragmentsofconversationwhichSirAndrewFfoulkeshadgleanedthatsameevening，itseemedtohimthatinordertohidetheirdefalcationsHeronandthefourcommissariesinchargeoflittleCapethadsubstitutedadeafanddumbchildfortheescapedlittleprisoner。Thismiserablesmallwreckofhumanitywasreputedtobesickandkeptinadarkenedroom，inbed，andwasinthatconditionexhibitedtoanymemberoftheConventionwhohadtherighttoseehim。ApartitionhadbeenveryhastilyerectedintheinnerroomonceoccupiedbytheSimons，andthechildwaskeptbehindthatpartition，andnoonewasallowedtocometooneartohim。Thusthefraudwassucceedingfairlywell。Heronandhisaccomplicesonlycaredtosavetheirskins，andthewretchedlittlesubstitutebeingreallyill，theyfirmlyhopedthathewouldsoondie，whennodoubttheywouldbruitabroadthenewsofthedeathofCapet，whichwouldrelievethemoffurtherresponsibility。
　　Thatsuchideas，suchthoughts，suchschemesshouldhaveengenderedinhumanmindsitisalmostimpossibletoconceive，andyetweknowfromnolessimportantawitnessthanMadameSimonherselfthatthechildwhodiedintheTempleafewweekslaterwasapoorlittleimbecile，adeafanddumbchildbroughthitherfromoneoftheasylumsandlefttodieinpeace。TherewasnobodybutkindlyDeathtotakehimoutofhismisery，forthegiantintellectthathadplannedandcarriedouttherescueoftheuncrownedKingofFrance，andwhichalonemighthavehadthepowertosavehimtoo，wasbeingbrokenontherackofenforcedsleeplessness。
　　CHAPTERXXVI
　　THEBITTERESTFOE
　　ThatsameeveningSirAndrewFfoulkes，havingannouncedhisintentionofgleaningfurthernewsofArmand，ifpossible，wentoutshortlyafterseveno'clock，promisingtobehomeagainaboutnine。
　　Marguerite，ontheotherhand，hadtomakeherfriendasolemnpromisethatshewouldtryandeatsomesupperwhichthelandladyofthesemiserableapartmentshadagreedtoprepareforher。Sofartheyhadbeenleftinpeacefuloccupationofthesesqualidlodgingsinatumble-downhouseontheQuaidelaFerraille，facingthehouseofJustice，thegrimwallsofwhichMargueritewouldwatchwithwide-opendryeyesforaslongasthegreywintrylightlingeredoverthem。
　　Evennow，thoughthedarknesshadsetin，andsnow，fallinginclose，smallflakes，threwathickwhiteveiloverthelandscape，shesatattheopenwindowlongafterSirAndrewhadgoneout，watchingthefewsmallflicksoflightthatblinkedacrossfromtheothersideoftheriver，andwhichcamefromthewindowsoftheChatelettowers。ThewindowsoftheConciergerieshecouldnotsee，forthesegaveononeoftheinnercourtyards；buttherewasamelancholyconsolationeveninthegazingonthosewallsthatheldintheircruel，grimembraceallthatshelovedintheworld。
　　ItseemedsoimpossibletothinkofPercy——thelaughter-loving，irresponsible，light-heartedadventurer——asthepreyofthosefiendswhowouldrevelintheirtriumph，whowouldcrushhim，humiliatehim，insulthim——yegodsalive！eventorturehim，perhaps——thattheymightbreaktheindomitablespiritthatwouldmockthemevenonthethresholdofdeath。
　　Surely，surelyGodwouldneverallowsuchmonstrousinfamyasthedeliveranceofthenoblesoaringeagleintothehandsofthosepreyingjackals！Marguerite——thoughherheartachedbeyondwhathumannaturecouldendure，thoughheranguishonherhusband'saccountwasdoubledbythatwhichshefeltforherbrother——couldnotbringherselftogiveupallhope。SirAndrewsaiditrightly；whiletherewaslifetherewashope。Whiletherewaslifeinthosevigorouslimbs，spiritinthatdaringmind，howcouldpuny，rampantbeastsgainthebetteroftheimmortalsoul？
　　AsforArmand——why，ifPercywerefreeshewouldhavenocausetofearforArmand。
　　Shesighedasighofdeep，ofpassionateregretandlonging。Ifshecouldonlyseeherhusband；ifshecouldonlylookforonesecondintothoselaughing，lazyeyes，whereinshealoneknewhowtofathomtheinfinityofpassionthatlaywithintheirdepths；ifshecouldbutoncefeelhis——ardentkissonherlips，shecouldmoreeasilyendurethisagonisingsuspense，andwaitconfidentlyandcourageouslyfortheissue。
　　Sheturnedawayfromthewindow，forthenightwasgettingbitterlycold。FromthetowerofSt。Germainl'Auxerroistheclockslowlystruckeight。Evenasthelastsoundofthehistoricbelldiedawayinthedistancesheheardatimidknockingatthedoor。
　　“Enter！”shecalledunthinkingly。
　　Shethoughtitwasherlandlady，comeupwithmorewood，mayhap，forthefire，soshedidnotturntothedoorwhenshehearditbeingslowlyopened，thenclosedagain，andpresentlyasofttreadonthethreadbarecarpet。
　　“MayIcraveyourkindattention，LadyBlakeney？”saidaharshvoice，subduedtotonesofordinarycourtesy。
　　Shequicklyrepressedacryofterror。Howwellsheknewthatvoice！WhenlastsheheardititwasatBoulogne，dictatingthatinfamousletter——theweaponwherewithPercyhadsoeffectuallyfoiledhisenemy。Sheturnedandfacedthemanwhowasherbitterestfoe——hersinthepersonofthemansheloved。
　　“Chauvelin！”shegasped。
　　“Himselfatyourservice，dearlady，“hesaidsimply。
　　Hestoodinthefulllightofthelamp，histrim，smallfigureboldlycutoutagainstthedarkwallbeyond。Heworetheusualsable-colouredclotheswhichheaffected，withtheprimly-foldedjabotandcuffsedgedwithnarrowlace。
　　Withoutwaitingforpermissionfromherhequietlyanddeliberatelyplacedhishatandcloakonachair。Thenheturnedoncemoretowardher，andmadeamovementasiftoadvanceintotheroom；butinstinctivelysheputupahandasiftowardoffthecalamityofhisapproach。
　　Heshruggedhisshoulders，andtheshadowofasmile，thathadneithermirthnorkindlinessinit，hoveredroundthecornersofhisthinlips。
　　“HaveIyourpermissiontosit？”heasked。
　　“Asyouwill，“sherepliedslowly，keepingherwide-openeyesfixeduponhimasdoesafrightenedbirdupontheserpentwhomitloathesandfears。
　　“AndmayIcraveafewmomentsofyourundividedattention，LadyBlakeney？”hecontinued，takingachair，andsoplacingitbesidethetablethatthelightofthelampwhenhesatremainedbehindhimandhisfacewasleftinshadow。
　　“Isitnecessary？”askedMarguerite。
　　“Itis，“herepliedcurtly，“ifyoudesiretoseeandspeakwithyourhusband——tobeofusetohimbeforeitistoolate。“
　　“Then，Iprayyou，speak，citizen，andIwilllisten。“
　　Shesankintoachair，notheedingwhetherthelightofthelampfellonherfaceornot，whetherthelinesinherhaggardcheeks，orhertear-dimmedeyesshowedplainlythesorrowanddespairthathadtracedthem。Shehadnothingtohidefromthisman，thecauseofallthetortureswhichsheendured。Sheknewthatneithercouragenorsorrowwouldmovehim，andthathatredforPercy——
　　personaldeadlyhatredforthemanwhohadtwicefoiledhim——
　　hadlongcrushedthelastsparkofhumanityinhisheart。
　　“Perhaps，LadyBlakeney，“hebeganafteraslightpauseandinhissmooth，evenvoice，“itwouldinterestyoutohearhowIsucceededinprocuringformyselfthispleasureofaninterviewwithyou？”
　　“Yourspiesdidtheirusualwork，Isuppose，“shesaidcoldly。
　　“Exactly。Wehavebeenonyourtrackforthreedays，andyesterdayeveninganunguardedmovementonthepartofSirAndrewFfoulkesgaveusthefinalcluetoyourwhereabouts。“
　　“OfSirAndrewFfoulkes？”sheasked，greatlypuzzled。
　　Hewasinaneating-house，cleverlydisguised，Iown，tryingtogleaninformation，nodoubtastotheprobablefateofSirPercyBlakeney。Aschancewouldhaveit，myfriendHeron，oftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity，chancedtobediscussingwithreprehensibleopenness——er——certain——whatshallIsay？——certainmeasureswhich，atmyadvice，theCommitteeofPublicSafetyhavebeenforcedtoadoptwithaviewto——“
　　“Atruceonyoursmooth-tonguedspeeches，citizenChauvelin，“sheinterposedfirmly。“SirAndrewFfoulkeshastoldmenaughtofthis——soIprayyouspeakplainlyandtothepoint，ifyoucan。“
　　Hebowedwithmarkedirony。
　　“Asyouplease，“hesaid。“SirAndrewFfoulkes，hearingcertainmattersofwhichIwilltellyouanon，madeamovementwhichbetrayedhimtooneofourspies。AtawordfromcitizenHeronthismanfollowedontheheelsoftheyoungfarrierwhohadshownsuchinterestintheconversationoftheChiefAgent。SirAndrew，Iimagine，burningwithindignationatwhathehadheard，wasperhapsnotquitesocautiousasheusuallyis。Anyway，themanonhistrackfollowedhimtothisdoor。Itwasquitesimple，asyousee。Asforme，IhadguessedaweekagothatwewouldseethebeautifulLadyBlakeneyinParisbeforelong。WhenIknewwhereSirAndrewFfoulkeslodged，IhadnodifficultyinguessingthatLadyBlakeneywouldnotbefaroff。“
　　“AndwhatwasthereincitizenHeron'sconversationlastnight，“
　　sheaskedquietly，“thatsoarousedSirAndrew'sindignation？”
　　“Hehasnottoldyou？”
　　“Oh！itisverysimple。Letmetellyou，LadyBlakeney，exactlyhowmattersstand。SirPercyBlakeney——beforeluckychanceatlastdeliveredhimintoourhands——thoughtfit，asnodoubtyouknow，tomeddlewithourmostimportantprisonerofState。“
　　“Achild。Iknowit，sir——thesonofamurderedfatherwhomyouandyourfriendswereslowlydoingtodeath。“
　　“Thatisasitmaybe，LadyBlakeney，“rejoinedChauvelincalmly；
　　“butitwasnoneofSirPercyBlakeney'sbusiness。This，however，hechosetodisregard。HesucceededincarryinglittleCapetfromtheTemple，andtwodayslaterwehadhimunderlock，andkey。“
　　“Throughsomeinfamousandtreacheroustrick，sir，“sheretorted。
　　Chauvelinmadenoimmediatereply；hispale，inscrutableeyeswerefixeduponherface，andthesmileofironyroundhismouthappearedmorestronglymarkedthanbefore。
　　“That，again，isasitmaybe，“hesaidsuavely；“butanyhowforthemomentwehavetheupperhand。SirPercyisintheConciergerie，guardeddayandnight，morecloselythanMarieAntoinetteevenwasguarded。“
　　“Andhelaughsatyourboltsandbars，sir，“sherejoinedproudly。
　　“RememberCalais，rememberBoulogne。Hislaughatyourdiscomfiture，then，mustresoundinyourearevento-day。“
　　“Yes；butforthemomentlaughterisonourside。Stillwearewillingtoforegoeventhatpleasure，ifSirPercywillbutmoveafingertowardshisownfreedom。“
　　“Againsomeinfamousletter？”sheaskedwithbittercontempt；
　　“someattemptagainsthishonour？”
　　“No，no，LadyBlakeney，“heinterposedwithperfectblandness。
　　“Mattersaresomuchsimplernow，yousee。WeholdSirPercyatourmercy。Wecouldsendhimtotheguillotineto-morrow，butwemightbewilling——remember，Ionlysaywemight——toexerciseourprerogativeofmercyifSirPercyBlakeneywillonhissideaccedetoarequestfromus。“
　　“Andthatrequest？”
　　“Isaverynaturalone。HetookCapetawayfromus，anditisbutcrediblethatheknowsatthepresentmomentexactlywherethechildis。Lethiminstructhisfollowers——andImistakenot，LadyBlakeney，thereareseveralofthemnotveryfarfromParisjustnow——lethim，Isay，instructthesefollowersofhistoreturnthepersonofyoungCapettous，andnotonlywillweundertaketogivethesesamegentlemenasafeconductbacktoEngland，butweevenmightbeinclinedtodealsomewhatlessharshlywiththegallantScarletPimpernelhimself。“
　　Shelaughedaharsh，mirthless，contemptuouslaugh。
　　“Idon'tthinkthatIquiteunderstand，“shesaidafteramomentortwo，whilsthewaitedcalmlyuntilherout-breakofhystericalmirthhadsubsided。“Youwantmyhusband——theScarletPimpernel，citizen——todeliverthelittleKingofFrancetoyouafterhehasriskedhislifetosavethechildoutofyourclutches？Isthatwhatyouaretryingtosay？”
　　“Itis，“rejoinedChauvelincomplacently，“justwhatwehavebeensayingtoSirPercyBlakeneyforthepastsixdays，madame。“
　　“Well！thenyouhavehadyouranswer，haveyounot？”
　　“Yes，“herepliedslowly；“buttheanswerhasbecomeweakerdaybyday。“
　　“Weaker？Idon'tunderstand。“
　　“Letmeexplain，LadyBlakeney，“saidChauvelin，nowwithmeasuredemphasis。Heputbothelbowsonthetableandleanedwellforward，peeringintoherface，lestoneofitsvariedexpressionsescapedhim。“JustnowyoutauntedmewithmyfailureinCalais，andagainatBoulogne，withaproudtossofthehead，whichIownisexcessivebecoming；youthrewthenameoftheScarletPimpernelinmyfacelikeachallengewhichInolongerdaretoaccept。
　　'TheScarletPimpernel，'youwouldsaytome，'standsforloyalty，forhonour，andforindomitablecourage。Thinkyouhewouldsacrificehishonourtoobtainyourmercy？RememberBoulogneandyourdiscomfiture！'Allofwhich，dearlady，isperfectlycharmingandwomanlyandenthusiastic，andI，bowingmyhumblehead，mustownthatIwasfooledinCalaisandbaffledinBoulogne。ButinBoulogneImadeagravemistake，andonefromwhichIlearnedalesson，whichIamputtingintopracticenow。“
　　Hepausedawhileasifwaitingforherreply。Hispale，keeneyeshadalreadynotedthatwitheveryphraseheutteredthelinesinherbeautifulfacebecamemorehardandset。Alookofhorrorwasgraduallyspreadingoverit，asiftheicy-coldhandofdeathhadpassedoverhereyesandcheeks，leavingthemrigidlikestone。
　　“InBoulogne，“resumedChauvelinquietly，satisfiedthathiswordswerehittingsteadilyatherheart——“inBoulogneSirPercyandI
　　didnotfightanequalfight。Freshfromapleasantsojourninhisownmagnificenthome，fullofthespiritofadventurewhichputstheessenceoflifeintoaman'sveins，SirPercyBlakeney'ssplendidphysiquewaspittedagainstmyfeeblepowers。OfcourseIlostthebattle。Imadethemistakeoftryingtosubdueamanwhowasinthezenithofhisstrength，whereasnow——“
　　“Yes，citizenChauvelin，“shesaid，“whereasnow——“
　　“SirPercyBlakeneyhasbeenintheprisonoftheConciergerieforexactlyoneweek，LadyBlakeney，“hereplied，speakingveryslowly，andlettingeveryoneofhiswordssinkindividuallyintohermind。“Evenbeforehehadtimetotakethebearingsofhiscellortoplanonhisownbehalfoneofthoseremarkableescapesforwhichheissojustlyfamous，ourmenbegantoworkonaschemewhichIamproudtosayoriginatedwithmyself。Aweekhasgonebysincethen，LadyBlakeney，andduringthattimeaspecialcompanyofprisonguard，actingundertheordersoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurityandofPublicSafety，havequestionedtheprisonerunremittingly——unremittingly，remember——dayandnight。
　　Twobytwothesementakeitinturnstoentertheprisoner'scelleveryquarterofanhour——latelyithashadtobemoreoften——andaskhimtheonequestion，'WhereislittleCapet？'Uptonowwehavereceivednosatisfactoryreply，althoughwehaveexplainedtoSirPercythatmanyofhisfollowersarehonouringtheneighbourhoodofPariswiththeirvisit，andthatallweaskforfromhimareinstructionstothosegallantgentlementobringyoungCapetbacktous。Itisallverysimple，unfortunatelytheprisonerissomewhatobstinate。Atfirst，even，theideaseemedtoamusehim；heusedtolaughandsaythathealwayshadthefacultyofsleepingwithhiseyesopen。Butoursoldiersareuntiringintheirefforts，andthewantofsleepaswellasofasufficiencyoffoodandoffreshairiscertainlybeginningtotellonSirPercyBlakeney'smagnificentphysique。Idon'tthinkthatitwillbeverylongbeforehegiveswaytoourgentlepersuasions；andinanycasenow，Iassureyou，dearlady，thatweneednotfearanyattemptonhisparttoescape。Idoubtifhecouldwalkverysteadilyacrossthisroom——“
　　MargueritehadsatquitesilentandapparentlyimpassiveallthewhilethatChauvelinhadbeenspeaking；evennowshescarcelystirred。Herfaceexpressedabsolutelynothingbutdeeppuzzlement。Therewasafrownbetweenherbrows，andhereyes，whichwerealwaysofsuchliquidblue，nowlookedalmostblack。
　　ShewastryingtovisualisethatwhichChauvelinhadputbeforeher：amanharasseddayandnight，unceasingly，unremittingly，withonequestionallowedneitherrespitenorsleep——hisbrain，soul，andbodyfaggedoutateveryhour，everymomentofthedayandnight，untilmindandbodyandsoulmustinevitablygivewayunderanguishtenthousandtimesmoreunendurablethananyphysicaltormentinventedbymonstersinbarbarictimes。
　　Thatmanthusharassed，thusfaggedout，thusmartyrisedatallhoursofthedayandnight，washerhusband，whomshelovedwitheveryfibreofherbeing，witheverythrobofherheart。
　　Torture？Oh，no！thesewereadvancedandcivilisedtimesthatcouldaffordtolookwithhorrorontheexcessesofmedievaldays。
　　Thiswasarevolutionthatmadeforprogress，andchallengedtheopinionoftheworld。ThecellsoftheTempleofLaForceortheConciergerieheldnosecretinquisitionwithironmaidensandracksandthumbscrews；butafewmenhadputtheirtortuousbrainstogether，andhadsaidonetoanother：“WewanttofindoutfromthatmanwherewecanlayourhandsonlittleCapet，sowewon'tlethimsleepuntilhehastoldus。Itisnottorture——oh，no！
　　Whowoulddaretosaythatwetortureourprisoners？Itisonlyalittlehorseplay，worryingtotheprisoner，nodoubt；but，afterall，hecanendtheunpleasantnessatanymoment。Heneedbuttoanswerourquestion，andhecangotosleepascomfortablyasalittlechild。Thewantofsleepisverytrying，thewantofproperfoodandoffreshairisveryweakening；theprisonermustgivewaysoonerorlater——“
　　Sothesefiendshaddecideditbetweenthem，andtheyhadputtheirideaintoexecutionforonewholeweek。MargueritelookedatChauvelinasshewouldonsomemonstrous，inscrutableSphinx，marvelingifGod——eveninHisanger——couldreallyhavecreatedsuchafiendishbrain，or，havingcreatedit，couldallowittowreaksuchdevilryunpunished。
　　Evennowshefeltthathewasenjoyingthementalanguishwhichhehadputuponher，andshesawhisthin，evillipscurledintoasmile。
　　“Soyoucameto-nighttotellmeallthis？”sheaskedassoonasshecouldtrustherselftospeak。Herimpulsewastoshriekoutherindignation，herhorrorofhim，intohisface。ShelongedtocalldownGod'seternalcurseuponthisfiend；butinstinctivelysheheldherselfincheck。Herindignation，herwordsofloathingwouldonlyhaveaddedtohisdelight。
　　“Youhavehadyourwish，“sheaddedcoldly；“now，Iprayyou，go。“
　　“Yourpardon，LadyBlakeney，“hesaidwithallhishabitualblandness；“myobjectincomingtoseeyoutonightwastwofold。
　　MethoughtthatIwasactingasyourfriendingivingyouauthenticnewsofSirPercy，andinsuggestingthepossibilityofyouraddingyourpersuasiontoours。“
　　“Mypersuasion？YoumeanthatI——“
　　“Youwouldwishtoseeyourhusband，wouldyounot，LadyBlakeney？”
　　“Yes。“
　　“ThenIprayyoucommandme。Iwillgrantyouthepermissionwheneveryouwishtogo。“
　　“Youareinthehope，citizen，“shesaid，“thatIwilldomybesttobreakmyhusband'sspiritbymytearsormyprayers——isthatit？”
　　“Notnecessarily，“herepliedpleasantly。“Iassureyouthatwecanmanagetodothatourselves，intime。“
　　“Youdevil！”Thecryofpainandofhorrorwasinvoluntarilywrungfromthedepthsofhersoul。“AreyounotafraidthatGod'shandwillstrikeyouwhereyoustand？”
　　“No，“hesaidlightly；“Iamnotafraid，LadyBlakeney。Yousee，I
　　donothappentobelieveinGod。Come！”headdedmoreseriously，“haveInotprovedtoyouthatmyofferisdisinterested？YetI
　　repeatitevennow。IfyoudesiretoseeSirPercyinprison，commandme，andthedoorsshallbeopentoyou。“
　　Shewaitedamoment，lookinghimstraightandquitedispassionatelyintheface；thenshesaidcoldly：
　　“Verywell！Iwillgo。“
　　“When？”heasked。
　　“Thisevening。“
　　“Justasyouwish。IwouldhavetogoandseemyfriendHeronfirst，andarrangewithhimforyourvisit。“
　　“Thengo。Iwillfollowinhalfanhour。“
　　“C'estentendu。WillyoubeatthemainentranceoftheConciergerieathalf-pastnine？Youknowit，perhaps——no？ItisintheRuedelaBarillerie，immediatelyontherightatthefootofthegreatstaircaseofthehouseofJustice。“
　　“OfthehouseofJustice！”sheexclaimedinvoluntarily，aworldofbittercontemptinhercry。Thensheaddedinherformermatter-of-facttones：
　　“Verygood，citizen。Athalf-pastnineIwillbeattheentranceyouname。“
　　“AndIwillbeatthedoorpreparedtoescortyou。“
　　Hetookuphishatandcoatandbowedceremoniouslytoher。Thenheturnedtogo。Atthedooracryfromher——involuntarilyenough，Godknows！——madehimpause。
　　“Myinterviewwiththeprisoner，“shesaid，vainlytrymg，poorsoul！torepressthatquiverofanxietyinhervoice，“itwillbeprivate？”
　　“Oh，yes！Ofcourse，“herepliedwithareassuringsmile。“Aurevoir，LadyBlakeney！Half-pastnine，remember——“
　　Shecouldnolongertrustherselftolookonhimashefinallytookhisdeparture。Shewasafraid——yes，absolutelyafraidthatherfortitudewouldgiveway——meanly，despicably，uselesslygiveway；thatshewouldsuddenlyflingherselfatthefeetofthatsneering，inhumanwretch，thatshewouldpray，implore——Heavenabove！whatmightshenotdointhefaceofthisawfulreality，ifthelastlingeringshredofvanishingreason，ofpride，andofcouragedidnotholdherincheck？
　　Thereforesheforcedherselfnottolookonthatdeparting，sable-cladfigure，onthatevilface，andthosehandsthatheldPercy'sfateintheircruelgrip；butherearscaughtthewelcomesoundofhisdeparture——theopeningandshuttingofthedoor，hislightfootstepechoingdownthestonestairs。
　　Whenatlastshefeltthatshewasreallyalonesheutteredaloudcrylikeawoundeddoe，andfallingonherkneessheburiedherfaceinherhandsinapassionatefitofweeping。Violentsobsshookherentireframe；itseemedasifanoverwhelminganguishwastearingatherheart——thephysicalpainofitwasalmostunendurable。Andyeteventhroughthisparoxysmoftearshermindclungtoonerootidea：whenshesawPercyshemustbebraveandcalm，beabletohelphimifhewantedher，todohisbiddingiftherewasanythingthatshecoulddo，oranymessagethatshecouldtaketotheothers。Ofhopeshehadnone。Thelastlingeringrayofithadbeenextinguishedbythatfiendwhenhesaid，“Weneednotfearthathewillescape。Idoubtifhecouldwalkverysteadilyacrossthisroomnow。“
　　CHAPTERXXVII
　　INTHECONCIERGERIE
　　Marguerite，accompaniedbySirAndrewFfoulkes，walkedrapidlyalongthequay。Itlackedtenminutestothehalfhour；thenightwasdarkandbitterlycold。Snowwasstillfallinginsparse，thinflakes，andlaylikeacrispandglitteringmantleovertheparapetsofthebridgesandthegrimtowersoftheChateletprison。
　　Theywalkedonsilentlynow。AllthattheyhadwantedtosaytooneanotherhadbeensaidinsidethesqualidroomoftheirlodgingswhenSirAndrewFfoulkeshadcomehomeandlearnedthatChauvelinhadbeen。
　　“Theyarekillinghimbyinches，SirAndrew，“hadbeentheheartrendingcrywhichburstfromMarguerite'soppressedheartassoonasherhandsrestedinthekindlyonesofherbestfriend。
　　“Isthereaughtthatwecando？”
　　Therewas，ofcourse，verylittlethatcouldbedone。OneortwofinesteelfileswhichSirAndrewgavehertoconcealbeneaththefoldsofherkerchief；alsoatinydaggerwithsharp，poisonedblade，whichforamomentsheheldinherhandhesitating，hereyesfillingwithtears，herheartthrobbingwithunspeakablesorrow。
　　Thenslowly——veryslowly——sheraisedthesmall，death-dealinginstrumenttoherlips，andreverentlykissedthenarrowblade。
　　“Ifitmustbe！”shemurmured，“GodinHismercywillforgive！”
　　Shesheathedthedagger，andthis，too，shehidinthefoldsofhergown。
　　“Canyouthinkofanythingelse，SirAndrew，thathemightwant？”
　　sheasked。“Ihavemoneyinplenty，incasethosesoldiers——“
　　SirAndrewsighed，andturnedawayfromhersoastohidethehopelessnesswhichhefelt。Sincethreedaysnowbehadbeenexhaustingeveryconceivablemeansofgettingattheprisonguardwithbriberyandcorruption。ButChauvelinandhisfriendshadtakenexcellentprecautions。TheprisonoftheConciergerie，situatedasitwasintheveryheartofthelabyrinthineandcomplicatedstructureoftheChateletandthehouseofJustice，andisolatedfromeveryothergroupofcellsinthebuilding，wasinaccessiblesavefromonenarrowdoorwaywhichgaveontheguard-roomfirst，andthenceontheinnercellbeyond。JustasallattemptstorescuethelateunfortunateQueenfromthatprisonhadfailed，sonoweveryattempttoreachtheimprisonedScarletPimpernelwasequallydoomedtobitterdisappointment。
　　Theguard-roomwasfilledwithsoldiersdayandnight；thewindowsoftheinnercell，heavilybarred，weretoosmalltoadmitofthepassageofahumanbody，andtheywereraisedtwentyfeetfromthecorridorbelow。SirAndrewhadstoodinthecorridortwodaysago，hebadlookedonthewindowbehindwhichheknewthathisfriendmustbeeatingouthisnobleheartinalongingforliberty，andhehadrealisedthenthateveryeffortathelpfromtheoutsidewasforedoomedtofailure。
　　“Courage，LadyBlakeney，“hesaidtoMarguerite，whenanontheyhadcrossedthePontauChange，andwerewendingtheirwayslowlyalongtheRuedelaBarillerie；“rememberourprouddictum：theScarletPimpernelneverfails！andalsothis，thatwhatevermessagesBlakeneygivesyouforus，whateverhewishesustodo，wearetoamanreadytodoit，andtogiveourlivesforourchief。Courage！
　　SomethingtellsmethatamanlikePercyisnotgoingtodieatthehandsofsuchverminasChauvelinandhisfriends。“
　　TheyhadreachedthegreatirongatesofthehouseofJustice。
　　Marguerite，tryingtosmile，extendedhertremblingbandtothisfaithful，loyalcomrade。
　　“I'llnotbefar，“hesaid。“Whenyoucomeoutdonotlooktotherightorleft，butmakestraightforhome；I'llnotlosesightofyouforamoment，andassoonaspossiblewillovertakeyou。Godblessyouboth。“
　　Hepressedhislipsonhercoldlittlehand，andwatchedhertall，elegantfigureasshepassedthroughthegreatgatesuntiltheveiloffallingsnowhidherfromhisgaze。Thenwithadeepsighofbitteranguishandsorrowheturnedawayandwassoonlostinthegloom。
　　Margueritefoundthegateatthebottomofthemonumentalstairsopenwhenshearrived。Chauvelinwasstandingimmediatelyinsidethebuildingwaitingforher。
　　“Wearepreparedforyourvisit，LadyBlakeney，“hesaid，“andtheprisonerknowsthatyouarecoming。“
　　Heledthewaydownoneofthenumerousandinterminablecorridorsofthebuilding，andshefollowedbriskly，pressingherhandagainstherbosomtherewherethefoldsofherkerchiefhidthesteelfilesandthepreciousdagger。
　　Eveninthegloomoftheseill-lightedpassagessherealisedthatshewassurroundedbyguards。Thereweresoldierseverywhere；twohadstoodbehindthedoorwhenfirstsheentered，andhadimmediatelycloseditwithaloudclangbehindher；andallthewaydownthecorridors，throughthehalf-lightengenderedbyfeeblyflickeringlamps，shecaughtglimpsesofthewhitefacingsontheuniformsofthetownguard，oroccasionallytheglintofsteelofabayonet。PresentlyChauvelinpausedbesideadoor，whichhehadjustreached。Hishandwasonthelatch，foritdidnotappeartobelocked，andheturnedtowardMarguerite。
　　“Iamverysorry，LadyBlakeney，“hesaidinsimple，deferentialtones，“thattheprisonauthorities，whoatmyrequestaregrantingyouthisinterviewatsuchanunusualhour，havemadeaslightconditiontoyourvisit。“
　　“Acondition？”sheasked。“Whatisit？”
　　“Youmustforgiveme，“hesaid，asifpurposelyevadingherquestion，“forIgiveyoumywordthatIhadnothingtodowitharegulationthatyoumightjustlyfeelwasderogatorytoyourdignity。Ifyouwillkindlystepinhereawardressinchargewillexplaintoyouwhatisrequired。“
　　Hepushedopenthedoor，andstoodasideceremoniouslyinordertoallowhertopassin。Shelookedonhimwithdeeppuzzlementandalookofdarksuspicioninhereyes。ButhermindwastoomuchengrossedwiththethoughtofhermeetingwithPercytoworryoveranytriflethatmight——asherenemyhadinferred——offendherwomanlydignity。
　　Shewalkedintotheroom，pastChauvelin，whowhisperedasshewentby：
　　“Iwillwaitforyouhere。And，Iprayyou，ifyouhaveaughttocomplainofsummonmeatonce。“
　　Thenheclosedthedoorbehindher。TheroominwhichMargueritenowfoundherselfwasasmallunventilatedquadrangle，dimlylightedbyahanginglamp。Awomaninasoiledcottongownandlankgreyhairbrushedawayfromaparchment-likeforeheadrosefromthechairinwhichshehadbeensittingwhenMargueriteentered，andputawaysomeknittingonwhichshehadapparentlybeenengaged。
　　“Iwastotellyou，citizeness，“shesaidthemomentthedoorhadbeenclosedandshewasalonewithMarguerite，“thattheprisonauthoritieshavegivenordersthatIshouldsearchyoubeforeyouvisittheprisoner。“
　　Sherepeatedthisphrasemechanicallylikeachildwhohasbeentaughttosayalessonbyheart。Shewasastoutishmiddle-agedwoman，withthatpasty，flabbyskinpeculiartothosewholiveinwantoffreshair；buthersmall，darkeyeswerenotunkindly，althoughtheyshiftedrestlesslyfromoneobjecttoanotherasifsheweretryingtoavoidlookingtheotherwomanstraightintheface。
　　“Thatyoushouldsearchme！”reiteratedMargueriteslowly，tryingtounderstand。
　　“Yes，“repliedthewoman。“Iwastotellyoutotakeoffyourclothes，sothatImightlookthemthroughandthrough。Ihaveoftenhadtodothisbeforewhenvisitorshavebeenallowedinsidetheprison，soitisnouseyourtryingtodeceivemeinanyway。
　　Iamverysharpatfindingoutifanyonehaspapers，orfilesorropesconcealedinanunderpetticoat。Come，“sheaddedmoreroughly，seeingthatMargueritehadremainedmotionlessinthemiddleoftheroom；“thequickeryouareaboutitthesooneryouwillbetakentoseetheprisoner。“
　　Thesewordshadtheirdesiredeffect。TheproudLadyBlakeney，inwardlyrevoltingattheoutrage，knewthatresistancewouldbeworsethanuseless。Chauvelinwastheothersideofthedoor。A
　　callfromthewomanwouldbringhimtoherassistance，andMargueritewasonlylongingtohastenthemomentwhenshecouldbewithherhusband。
　　Shetookoffherkerchiefandhergownandcalmlysubmittedtothewoman'sroughhandsastheywanderedwithsurenessandaccuracytothevariouspocketsandfoldsthatmightconcealprohibitedarticles。Thewomandidherworkwithpeculiarstolidity；shedidnotutterawordwhenshefoundthetinysteelfilesandplacedthemonatablebesideher。Inequalsilenceshelaidthelittledaggerbesidethem，andthepursewhichcontainedtwentygoldpieces。TheseshecountedinfrontofMargueriteandthenreplacedtheminthepurse。Herfaceexpressedneithersurprise，norgreednorpity。Shewasobviouslybeyondthereachofbribery——
　　justamachinepaidbytheprisonauthoritiestodothisunpleasantwork，andnodoubtterrorisedintodoingitconscientiously。