"No, my dear child, it was I who caused you to be abducted and I will yield you to nobody." "Abducted?" she cried, "what are you saying? Urbain had fought a duel and had to flee, that is why I started in the middle of the night." "It was necessary to tell you that, in order that you might leave willingly." "O my God! could that be so? But, no, it was my protector, it was M. Touquet himself, who put me in the carriage." "Yes, adorable Blanche, it was your protector, it was the honest Touquet who aided my plans and gave you up to my love." The frightful truth flashed into her mind, her knees failed her, the color left her cheeks, and without uttering a single cry she was about to fall upon the floor. Happily the marquis received her in his arms, he laid her on the bed and rang the bell violently. Germain immediately appeared. "Call someone, call for help," said the marquis, greatly agitated, "she has lost consciousness. Is there not a woman here in the chateau?" "Pardon me, monseigneur." Germain called Marie, and the stout country girl came running. "Give all your care to this young girl," said the marquis to the woman, "and do not leave her for an instant. If she is long in coming to her senses, send me word." "Very well, monseigneur," said Marie, curtseying, and Villebelle left the room with Germain. The marquis, fatigued by his rapid journey from Paris, threw himself upon a lounge as soon as he reached his apartment, and while Germain relieved him of his travelling dress he inquired as to what Blanche had said and done since her arrival. "Monseigneur," said Germain, "she believed that she was at the house of M. Urbain, and following your orders I have not undeceived her." "She appears to love him more than I had believed," said Villebelle, sighing. "'Tis but the love of a young girl, monseigneur, a fierce fire, which soon burns itself out." "May what you say be true, but Blanche bears no resemblance to other women whom I have seen up to this day. There is about her a candor, a frankness, finally, a something, I know not what, which commands respect. I cannot explain to you the feeling with which she inspires me. Her tears sear my heart. I wish to win her love by the attentions which I shall lavish upon her. It will take some time, perhaps; but no matter, I feel capable of restraining my passion, of submitting to everything which she may exact of me. You see, Germain, that I am truly in love, for I no longer recognize self, and near Blanche I feel as timid as a child." "We must see if that will last, monseigneur." "Ah, you don't understand what I experience. Germain, you must start tomorrow morning for Paris; I will give you what money is necessary, and you will bring back everything you can find of the prettiest and newest in ornaments, stuffs, and jewels. Spare nothing, that we may find something to please Blanche." "Rely on me, monseigneur." "How many servants are in the chateau?"