"It would yield to nothing, monsieur; in the isolation in which my parents left me, this love has become my only hope, my happiness, my life. Ah! monsieur, if you have any influence with him--and you must have, since he confides to you the secrets which he keeps from me--in Heaven's name, induce him to renounce these projects, of which you speak; tell him what I dare not tell him myself, that I love him beyond all expression; tell him that his fate shall be mine; that if he be exiled, I exile myself; if he be imprisoned, I will be so too; and that if he dies, I die. Tell him _that_, monsieur; and add--add that you saw, by my tears and by my despair, that I spoke the truth." "Unhappy child!" murmured the regent. Indeed, Helene's situation was a pitiable one. By the paleness of her cheeks, it was evident that she suffered cruelly; while she spoke, her tears flowed ceaselessly, and it was easy to see that every word came from her heart, and that what she had said she would do. "Well," said the regent, "I promise you that I will do all I can to save the chevalier." Helene was about to throw herself at the duke's feet, so humbled was this proud spirit by the thought of Gaston's danger; but the regent received her in his arms. Helene trembled through her whole frame--there was something in the contact with this man which filled her with hope and joy. She remained leaning on his arm, and made no effort to raise herself. "Mademoiselle," said the regent, watching her with an expression which would certainty have betrayed him if Helene had raised her eyes to his face, "Mademoiselle, the most pressing affair first--I have told you that Gaston is in danger, but not in immediate danger; let us then first think of yourself, whose position is both false and precarious. You are intrusted to my care, and I must, before all else, acquit myself worthily of this charge. Do you trust me, mademoiselle?" "Oh, yes; Gaston brought me to you." "Always Gaston," sighed the regent, in an undertone; then to Helene he said: "You will reside in this house, which is unknown, and here you will be free. Your society will consist of excellent books, and my presence will not be wanting, if it be agreeable to you." Helene made a movement as if to speak. "Besides," continued the duke, "it will give you an opportunity to speak of the chevalier." Helene blushed, and the regent continued: "The church of the neighboring convent will be open to you, and should you have the slightest fear, such as you have already experienced, the convent itself might shelter you--the superior is a friend of mine." "Ah, monsieur," said Helene, "you quite reassure me; I accept the house you offer me--and your great kindness to Gaston and myself will ever render your presence agreeable to me." The regent bowed.