Charles did not want to go back to Paris. He wished most naturally
to return to Dantzig. I, on the other hand, desired to go to
France; and there place my sword once more at the Emperor's service.
What more simple than to change places?"
"And names," suggested D'Arragon, without falling into De Casimir's
easy and friendly manner.
"For greater security in passing through Poland and across the
frontier," explained De Casimir readily. "Once in France--and I
hope to be there in a week--I shall report the matter to the Emperor
as it really happened: namely, that, owing to Colonel Darragon's
illness, he transferred his task to me at Vilna. The Emperor will
be indifferent, so long as the order has been carried out."
De Casimir turned to Desiree as likely to be more responsive than
this dark-eyed stranger, who listened with so disconcerting a lack
of comment or sympathy.
"So you see, madame," he said, "Charles will still get the credit
for having carried out his most difficult task, and no harm is
done."
"When did you leave Charles at Vilna?" asked she.
De Casimir lay back on the pillow in an attitude which betrayed his
weakness and exhaustion. He looked at the ceiling with lustreless
eyes.
"It must have been a fortnight ago," he said at length. "I was
trying to count the days. We have lost all account of dates since
quitting Moscow. One day has been like another--and all, terrible.
Believe me, madame, it has always been in my mind that you were
awaiting the return of your husband at Dantzig.
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