I was standing, holding Castor's reins; but as he spoke I handed the horse over to a groom, and, linking my arm in St. Armande's, said loudly, and with a tone of affected gaiety: "You missed a great ride, chevalier--come take a turn with me in the garden." He yielded passively, and in a few steps we had crossed the courtyard and were in a secluded portion of the palace gardens that was called the Lemon Walk. This I may add was subsequently improved out of existence by the architect, in the course of completion of the palace and grounds. When we reached this spot I unslipped my arm, and turning round faced St. Armande, having resolved to end my suspicions. "See here, chevalier," I said, "I am playing for heavy stakes, I am walking on dangerous ground, and must know where I put my feet; will you answer a plain question, are you friend or foe?" He looked round him in a helpless sort of way, his colour coming and going, but said nothing. Was it possible the man was a coward? "If you do not reply," I said, "I will take the risk, and treat you as an enemy, do you hear? you lied to me when you said last night you had played at the Vatican with Colonna--now draw." I pulled out my weapon, and stood before him, expecting every instant to see his rapier in his hands; but he stood absolutely still, his head hanging down. "Man," I said, "have you not heard? Am I to think you a coward as well as a liar?" "How dare you say that!" he burst out. "You--you of all men--Oh! what am I saying! Yes, I did not play with Colonna; but I thought you were hard pressed for money, and--and invented the fiction, thinking that perhaps----" "That perhaps I would accept your winnings over the gambling table, rather than the offer of a friend. You do me much honour, chevalier." "You wrong me, Savelli,--nay, start not. I know your name and story, and, before heaven, I say I am your friend." "You know me!" "Yes, and am working for you; come, put by your sword. Look at me! Do I look like an enemy?" He had recovered himself, and met my gaze fearlessly. Where could I have seen that face before? I drew my hand over my forehead as if to sweep the cobwebs from my memory, but with no avail. "Well," he went on, with a smile, "do I look like an enemy? If I do, your sword is ready. Strike now, it will be a quick riddance, come!" I put back my sword with a snap. "I do not understand, but I accept your explanation." He held out his hand frankly. "That is right, and you will still let me be your comrade?" I took his grasp. "Yes, if you wish it." We walked back together in silence, and on reaching the courtyard St. Armande said, "I am afraid I have fallen much in your esteem." "My esteem, chevalier, is at present of no value to man or woman." "Do you think so?" he said, and then rapidly, "Adieu for the present; remember, I hold you to your word that you think me a friend." I made no answer, and he ran lightly up the steps of the principal entrance.