"You hate such a marriage?" said Herrick.
"Yes; hate it. Only to save Montvilliers would I make it."
"Mademoiselle, if you bid me, I will go to Vayenne."
"Think what you will of me, but at least have I not proved myself a man?" said Herrick.
"There was no mean thought in my mind," she answered. "But what would you do in Vayenne?"
"Why, even cast this treachery in the Count's teeth; let the city know that its honor is at stake, since the Duke is a prisoner; if need be, boast loudly of what I have done to save him, and perhaps ride at the head of that rabble you talk of."
"If I care not, who is there to hinder me on that score?"
"It might be done," said Lemasle; "indeed it might, mademoiselle. You and I could follow to the city. They will not harm you, and you would not go to the castle, where at present you might be unwelcome."
"I might go to the Countess Elisabeth, and----"
"And from thence let it be known that you were for Duke Maurice," cried Lemasle. "Faith, I see the Count 'twixt devil and deep sea already."
"You must lend me a horse, Lemasle," said Herrick. "I must be there without delay. You must come slower, at mademoiselle's stirrup, unless you chance on a mount on the forest road."
"No; it is folly," said Christine; but Lemasle had already gone.
"Won't you accept my service, mademoiselle?" said Herrick.
"The death of a man has won a cause before this."
"But what part have you in the quarrels of Montvilliers," she asked--"you, a stranger? Why should you adventure yourself in such a cause?"
"Men are driven forward by all sorts of reasons," he answered carelessly. "The spirit of the wanderer brought me here; fate drew me into this quarrel, against my will, it is true, but I have a mind to see the end of it."
"You do not count the cost," she said eagerly.
"Yes, because it is folly; there is no reason in it. Against your will you have played a part; they are your own words. Take one of the horses. Ride to the frontier. I will not have your death on my hands."
"It was against my will, mademoiselle, but it is so no longer. Would you have another reason for my service? A woman thought me a spy. I would prove her wrong."
"Believe me, I have already repented that such a thought was in my mind. Forgive me, and seek your own safety."