She accepted the check she had received with a good grace, and turning her horse raced back with the recklessness of youth. On this occasion I took care that Lizette should not be first, and when we rejoined our party Diane pointed at the mare with her whip as she laughed, for she had recovered her temper. "I see now I should not have stopped when I did. Another mile and that big, dust-coloured thing would have been yards and yards behind; would she not, Rollo?" And she bent forward and caressed the Norman's sleek neck. I did not contradict her statement, but contented myself by saying humbly that there could be no comparison between the two horses. "I am glad you realise that, monsieur; and we will have another race--soon, I hope." "In that case, mademoiselle, I will not stake anything, for I am certain which horse will win." And with these words I was dropping back once more to my old place when she stayed me, asking why I did not ride by her side. "I feared to intrude, mademoiselle; it is no longer the furrier's niece I escort." She turned red. "Ah, monsieur, I am ashamed of my deceit; but there are things I cannot explain now that forced me to play a part." "Let the matter rest, mademoiselle." "I know I must have seemed ungrateful when I left you as I did; but believe me, monsieur, I can never forget the brave man who risked his life for me." And she held out her gloved hand, allowing it to rest in mine for a moment ere she withdrew it gently. "I did what anyone else would have done. Perhaps, however, you would like to hear that I have made such arrangements as could be made for your dead servant." "It is like you, monsieur, to remember that." And then there was a silence. After a little she asked almost timidly: "Monsieur, amongst the prisoners taken by M. de Montluc was the Vicomte de Ganache. I have not been able to hear news of him, and I would give much to know----" It was ever thus: De Ganache was ever first; and I answered, without letting her complete her speech: "M. de Ganache is no longer a prisoner; he was freed by Montluc this morning." "Freed! Are you sure?" "Sure as I ride here. I saw him leave Poitiers in safety." "It is almost incredible. And yet----" "It is true, mademoiselle. M. de Ganache is known to me, and I had speech with him before he left. He is free, I assure you." "It is, indeed, good news, monsieur." And she looked at me, her face all brightness, as she continued, with a little laugh: "M. de Montluc is, I see, more generous to men than to women." At this juncture our speech was cut short, as from out of the ravine before us into which the road dipped there suddenly emerged one of the troopers I had sent on ahead. As the man came galloping up to us I thought at first that he bore ill tidings, but it turned out that he had ridden back to give me news of the accommodations at Les Barres.