That which she proposed was impossible, quickly the young man answered. The mob--the terrible mob! Did she realize to what she would expose herself? Did she know the terrible danger? More plainly he told her. As for her going, it was not to be thought of; he must see she did not persist in her purpose. "You?" My lady flashed him a glance. "You!" she repeated. "Whose men broke faith--" "That may be!" His voice rang bitterly. "Yet," with stubborn resolution, "your Ladyship must not go!" "Must not! And you presume--dare tell me that! You, the--" "I would there were no need to cross you, my Lady," he returned, when behind him the door, leading from the street, suddenly opened; closed. "Elise!" The voice of the Marquis, who had hurriedly entered, rang out; changed. "_Mon dieu_! What is this?" In the dim light, an instant my lord stared hard at the man before him; then with drawn blade threw himself upon him. CHAPTER XXXII NEAR THE ALTAR "_Morbleu_! Here's a madman!" Ere the Black Seigneur could unsheathe his sword, that of the Marquis had pierced slightly his shoulder. "Put up your blade, my Lord!" As quickly springing back and drawing his own, he held himself in an attitude of defense. "In this matter are we, or should we be--of a mind!" "We!" My lord's weapon played in fierce curves and flashes; he laughed derisively. "I am here to serve her ladyship--if I can!" "You!" A rapid _coup de tierce_ was the Marquis' reply. "You! Whose outlaws carried her off before! You are pleased to jest, Monsieur Bandit!" "No jest, my Lord!" coolly. "Moreover, it is you who serve her ladyship ill at such a moment in--" "_Mon dieu_! You instruct!" "I have no wish for this combat, Monsieur le Marquis!" As he spoke, the Black Seigneur retreated slowly toward the door. "But if you press too close--" "_Ma foi_! You talk very brave, but I notice your legs take you backward. However, it will not serve; you shall not escape." "No?" His back now against the door, the Black Seigneur defended himself with his right hand, the while his left felt behind for a bolt which it found; shot into place. "Then let us remove temptation by locking the door!" "What! You did not, then, intend--" A sudden fierce pounding from without on the door, interrupted. "It was necessary to keep _them_ out--but it will be only for the moment. So put up your blade!" peremptorily. "There is no time to lose." "You are right!" The Marquis' face expressed scorn and unreasoning anger; his sword leaped to an accelerated tempo. "There is no time to lose. I shall honor you! The Marquis de Beauvillers will stoop to cheat the _fourches pâtibulaires_!" And my lord lunged, a dangerous and clever thrust that was met; answered. From the Marquis' hand the blade flew; struck the pavement; at the same time, a rending and tearing of wood came from the door.