The young man made a movement and the speaker stopped; caught sight of my lady, just beyond, in the fading light. And at the picture--her figure behind that other one--the fine, patrician features, framed by the disordered golden hair, the widely opened eyes, bright, expectant, the intruder started back. "The Governor's daughter! You, Seigneur!" he stammered, and, raising his hand, involuntarily crossed himself. CHAPTER IX A DISCOVERY "Why did you do that?" It was Lady Elise who now spoke, lifting her head haughtily to regard the new-comer, as she stepped toward him. "Cross yourself, I mean?" "This good fellow, my Lady, is surprised to see you here, and small wonder he forgets his manners!" said the young man coolly, speaking for the other. "But he is honest enough--and--intends no disrespect!" "None whatever!" muttered the intruder, a thin, wizened, yet still active-looking person. My lady did not reply; her gaze, in which suspicion had become conviction, again met the young man's, whose black eyes now gleamed with a sudden, challenging light. "With your permission, my Lady, I will speak with this fellow," he said, and abruptly strode from the tower; walked a short distance away, followed by the man, when he stopped. "_Certes_, your tongue betrayed you that time, Sanchez!" he said confronting the other. The man made a rough gesture. "_C'est vrai_!" regretfully. "But when I saw you two together I thought I had seen a--" He stopped. "She is so like--" "Nay; I don't blame you; the sight was certainly unexpected! I had thought to come down and prepare you, but--'tis done!" "And I knew what it meant." The old servant looked over his shoulder toward the tower. "Call it magic!" with a short laugh. "_Diablerie_!" muttered the other. "Well, have your way! Why," abruptly, "did you not meet me here last night at high tide, as we had planned?" "The priest came not in time; fearing he was watched, waited until night to leave his hiding-place at Verranch." "And after missing me last night, you thought to find me here to-day?" "I knew you were most anxious to see him; that upon him depended your chance to undo some of his Excellency, the Governor's, knavery! And, then, to find you here with the daughter of the man who has wrought you so much wrong; robbed you of your lands--your right to your name!" A cloud shadowed the listener's bold brow. "I know not how it came about, Seigneur, but be assured, no good can come of it!"