She had seen her father, she said, and he had readily agreed to do anything that was asked of him. He advised that the best hour for making any attempt would be about ten o’clock at night; as the guard would be changed at eleven, and they were always less vigilant in their last hour of their watch. “My father says there will be a great risk, miladi,” said Pauline; “and urges the utmost caution. He declares it will be far safer for all concerned if the prisoner makes his escape by the window and avoids the hazard of encountering any of the soldiers or servants in attempting to leave by any other way.” “It could be done,” said Gabrielle, readily, “now that this Pascal can help from outside. I will send him word by Lucette of the time, and tell him to find means of getting to the courtyard.” She hurried to Lucette and told her the plan and the reasons why it was not deemed prudent for her to leave the Duchess, and they were discussing this when the Governor entered. “You will know what I shall need for a few days, Lucette,” said Gabrielle, with a swift warning glance; “and if I have forgotten anything in my haste, you can bring it or even return for it. How is Denys?” “Much improved, but very weak, of course, and fretting at his weakness.” “I wish to speak with you, mademoiselle,” interposed the Governor. “I am remaining some days with the Duchess, monsieur, and am sending instructions in regard to matters at Malincourt.” “That is good news; it is as I would have it.” “One thing more, Lucette, and the most important of all--M. de Proballe is not to be allowed to enter the maison until my return.” “That is a harsh injunction, mademoiselle.” “I am the mistress of Malincourt, my lord, and am firmly resolved on the point.” “I shall hope to change that resolve amongst others,” he replied, as Lucette went away. “It is for that I wish to speak with you.” Gabrielle made no reply for the moment. The storm of her indignation against the Duke had passed, as he noticed with satisfaction; but he could not read her present mood; and mistook a deliberate intention to outwit him for a readiness to listen with some complacency to the alternatives he had come to propose. The hope of setting Gerard free spurred her woman’s wit to the utmost. She was, indeed, ready enough to listen to him, schooling her temper and keeping it under control, so as to learn his plans. She was fighting the cause of the man she loved against the man she hated with hate implacable; and she would fight warily and coolly, with every weapon in her armoury, and with a full knowledge of all the danger that might follow a false step. “I have spoken with your uncle.” “He is no longer kin of mine, my lord,” she interposed, coldly. “He has wronged me beyond endurance.” “Well, with M. de Proballe then, and have convinced myself that he has had no motive save that of serving your best interests.”