In the flash of an eye
he understood her, and forestalled the words that were upon her
lips.
"And I promised that he should come to no harm--I know that," he
said quickly. "At first I thought that it must have been a blunder,
but on reflection I am sure that it is not. It is the Emperor. He
must have given the order for the arrest himself, behind my back.
That is his way. He trusts no one. He deceives those nearest to
him. I made out the list of those to be arrested to-night, and your
father's name was not on it. Do you believe me? Mademoiselle, do
you believe me?"
It was only natural in such a man to look for disbelief. The air he
breathed was infected by suspicion. No deception was too small for
the great man whom he served. Mathilde made no answer.
"You came here to accuse me of having deceived you," he said rather
anxiously. "Is that it?"
She nodded without meeting his eyes. It was not the truth. She had
come to hear his defence, hoping against hope that she might be able
to believe him.
"Mathilde," he asked slowly, "do you believe me?"
He came a step nearer, looking down at her averted face, which was
oddly white. Then suddenly she turned, without a sound, without
lifting her eyes--and was in his arms. It seemed that she had done
it against her will, and it took him by surprise. He had thought
that she was trying to attract his love because she believed in his
capability to make his fortune like so many soldiers of France; that
she was only playing a woman's subtle game.
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