“I hear them coming now.”

The Marquis and Barrington entered.

“I was surprised to hear you were in Paris, monsieur,” said Bruslart to Lafayette.

“I am here, a private affair.  I trust monsieur will forget he has seen me.  Under the circumstances it seemed necessary to let you know that mademoiselle was here.”

“I am greatly in your debt.  You may certainly count on my forgetfulness.”

“And you must pardon this interruption,” said Lafayette, “but I am fearful of delay.  Doubtless you agree with me, Monsieur Bruslart, that it would be best for mademoiselle to leave Paris at once.”

“Yes, if such a thing were possible,” Bruslart answered.  “As I have told mademoiselle, her presence here is not of my contriving.  Fearing for my safety, my servant started for Beauvais.  He is dead, poor fellow, but he has unwillingly played into the hands of others.  For some days at least I believe it would be most dangerous for mademoiselle to attempt to leave Paris.  I have a safer plan.  A friend I can trust implicitly will hide her for the time being.  A couple of hours will suffice to make arrangements.”

“I doubt whether this house is safe even for that two hours,” answered Lafayette.  “If there is a suspicion how mademoiselle was rescued, and it is hardly possible there should not be, my house is certain to be searched.  My friend Barrington has mentioned my name since his arrival in France.”

“I propose to take mademoiselle with me,” Lucien answered.  “She will be safe at my lodging until I have arranged with my friend.”

“Are you sure of that?”

“Monsieur de Lafayette, do you think I would run the risk unless I were certain?”

“Your interest in mademoiselle is well known, Monsieur Bruslart, and we know that patriots do not always trust each other.”

“Have you any other plan?” Bruslart asked.

“I should try and get out of Paris at once,” Lafayette answered.

“And my services are at your disposal, monsieur,” said Barrington.

“I thank you,” Lucien returned, “not only for your proffered help, but for all you have done for this lady.  Jeanne, which will you do:  attempt to leave Paris or take my advice?”

“I am in your hands, Lucien,” she said.

“Then we will go at once.  There is a back entrance to this house, I believe, Monsieur de Lafayette.  We will go that way if you will allow us.  We are safest on foot, I think.”

“I will show you the way,” answered the Marquis.

“For the moment, Monsieur Barrington, I cannot use your services,” said Bruslart; “but I may be only too glad to do so presently.  Naturally you will be anxious to know that mademoiselle is in safety.  Will you do me the honor to call upon me to-night?”

“The honor will be mine,” Barrington answered.

“Come, Jeanne.  Will you show us the way, monsieur?”

Lafayette went to the door, and Jeanne crossed the room to Barrington.