“His enemies do; those who seek to thwart him. He saw Gabrielle to-day, and what passed between them pleased him greatly. She urged him to relax the rigour of his rule here; and he half consented. His plan is that he and she shall take frequent counsel together for the government of the people--when she is your wife. He will thus see much of her in many a private conference, and the people will have cause to bless her name for her good influence. Some of the blessings may come your way, Gerard, for the good change will date from the time of your marriage. You will be a popular man in Morvaix.” He ended with another of his dry cynical laughs, and looked for his companion to join in. But Gerard was too deeply moved even to simulate laughter. “There is yet one thing that perplexes me--has perplexed me from the first. What is your part in this? Raouf did not paint you exactly as a type of self-denial, willing to stand aloof when others were reaping rich gains.” “My plans, like my reasons, are my own,” returned de Proballe, with a frown. “You shall know them all in time.” “As you please. It is enough for me to know that you have them. And I have enough on my side to keep my wits busy.” “Had you but let the Governor’s men work their way with that St. Jean all would have been well; but I scent danger there. Some other means of silencing him must be found. For your part you have but to push your suit with Gabrielle with all speed, and hasten on the marriage. In that, the success you have gained to-day will help you. Your act yesterday in the market place almost turned her head; at any rate, it went to her heart. But now, tell me of yourself, something of the story of your life. She will surely question you, and you must have a gallant tale to tell.” “My past, like your reasons, is my own. Should she question me I shall know how to answer.” “From whence came you here, and how?” “That I am here may suffice. I have come to do my task; and believe me I shall not fail to satisfy even the Duke himself of my thoroughness.” “You can be close-lipped, it seems,” said de Proballe, irritably. “No bad quality surely, when such work as mine has to be done.” “If you will not talk then, let us go into the house. You will of course bide at Malincourt. Have you a servant and apparel suited to your new position? You are but indifferently clad now.” “I am but a courier of fortune; but I have a servant, and can provide for all the needs of even my high position at Malincourt.” “You are a strange fellow, Gerard, and altogether unlike what your letters had led me to expect. But take your own way.” “I have done that always, and shall not change even in Malincourt. I have a matter that calls me to the town, and will return to the maison within an hour or so, by your leave,” and without another word he turned and walked away, leaving de Proballe staring after him in high dudgeon at his unexpected independence.