“And you are no ordinary thief-catcher, monsieur. A gallant captain like yourself must find such work little to your taste.” “We have to obey orders, mademoiselle.” “And frighten poor girls out of their wits, it seems. I thought all soldiers were as gallant as most of them are handsome,” and she pointed this with a very telling glance. “You need be in no fear, mademoiselle, if you will but let us do our duty.” “Then you are not going to arrest me?” and she laughed, and added as she made more havoc with her eyes: “I think I could trust myself to you, monsieur.” “Is Mademoiselle de Malincourt here?” “Mademoiselle de Malincourt!” This in a tone of intense astonishment. “What will you ask me next? Is she one of your escaped prisoners?” and Lucette burst into a peal of merry laughter. “His Excellency the Governor is anxious to see her at the Castle, and we are to escort her there.” “You speak in riddles, monsieur. Do you mean that the Duke de Rochelle invites guests to the Castle with a file of soldiers to see that they accept the invitation? Surely I am dreaming.” “One of the prisoners who escaped was a friend of mademoiselle, and she is asked for at the Castle in regard to the matter.” “Oh, you mean you would make her a prisoner. Then, if she were here, I would refuse to tell you.” “It will be better to answer me directly,” said the officer. “Did you ever know a woman who could, monsieur?” “By your leave I must press for a decided reply to my question.” “And by your leave I deny your right to question me and expect any reply.” “As you please, of course,” he answered courteously. “There is another matter. A guard of men was left here this morning when the house had been searched----” “Searched?” broke in Lucette. “Searched? Malincourt searched! There has been no search of Malincourt while I have been here. True, I was absent in attendance upon the Duchess de Rochelle this morning, but Malincourt searched! Surely you are misinformed.” “It is as I say. The house was searched in the belief that the prisoners were here, or Mademoiselle de Malincourt herself, and a guard was left in case they should seek refuge here.” “Mademoiselle de Malincourt seek refuge in her own house! Monsieur!” “I think you must know of this,” he answered smiling. “I am sure you are too frank to deceive me. I would trust you.” “You are very good. I do not like this errand, it is true, but I have no option save to perform it.” “I can understand that, monsieur,” she said, with a glance that made him wish any one else had been chosen for the task. “You have too good a heart to wish to frighten a poor girl like myself, or to persecute a noble innocent girl like Mademoiselle de Malincourt.” “Several messengers have been sent here during the day and none of them have returned. I have come therefore to learn the reason.” “Certainly, monsieur. It is very strange,” and Lucette looked at him, almost sympathetically. “What do you wish me to do?”