“You know the facts well,” answered the Governor, dropping all form in his anger. “Do what I say, or there may be bitter reasons to regret it.” But Gerard was a far better actor than he, and replied in a very loud tone, as if more surprised than ever-- “Do you wish me to announce to all present that, having already one wife, you propose to take a second? This is against the laws of France, my lord. I cannot make such an announcement.” The Governor bit his lip and frowned, and said, in a threatening undertone-- “If you wish to leave Morvaix to-night with your head on your shoulders, you will announce it.” “You are tearing off the mask, then, at last,” said Gerard, as calmly as before, with a smile. “The Duchess herself has agreed to a divorce, so that this marriage may take place.” “It is a union I cannot and will not sanction,” declared Gerard in a loud firm voice. “In the name of the Suzerain of Morvaix I forbid it. It must and shall not be.” “We will see to that and have an end to this mockery,” cried the Governor, turning to give an order to his officers. But before he could deliver it an interruption came. The Duchess de Rochelle was borne into the hall on a litter. Dead silence fell on all as her litter was set down at the foot of the steps. “Here is the Duchess to speak for herself,” said Gerard. She was pale and fragile, but her eyes were burning, and her soft voice thrilled all as she spoke. “I have heard what has passed, my lord,” she said to Gerard; “and I have come here to protest against this contemplated wrong--the last of many I have endured at my husband’s hands. I will not have that innocent girl sacrificed. I protest solemnly against this infamy, in the name of God, the Holy Church, and of the laws of France.” The effort seemed to exhaust her strength, and as she fell back faint and white, Gabrielle ran and knelt beside her. Gerard paused for the Governor to speak, but rage deprived him of words. “What say you now, my lord?” asked Gerard. “This is a plot against me--a damnable scheme to try and put me to shame here,” cried the infuriated Governor. “You shall have an answer, never fear; and one little to your liking. Seize that man,” he cried to his officers, pointing to Gerard with a hand that shook with rage. “Should not the hall be cleared?” said de Proballe, roused to great alarm for himself now at the fiasco of his plans. The answer came from Gerard in a loud tone that resounded through the vast hall. “No,” he cried; “not until the infamy of this thing has been made public.” A profound hush of expectancy fell upon the great throng, each man holding his breath in wonderment and suspense; and before it was broken, an officer entered hurriedly and approached the Governor-- “My lord, my lord,” he said excitedly; “I crave your lordship’s pardon. Captain Boutelle has sent me to report that a large force of troops are approaching the city.”