It was now getting rather late, but as Jacques had no business of his own on hand, but rather wished, like so many others to be about business that was not his, instead of going home he thought he would go up the cliffs by a path which swept round the side of the hill till it came to fields that led to the Jerbourg fortress.  On coming to a corner where the path turned up the hill, he paused to look at the scene before him, which was a lovely one:  the moon was very brilliant, and the light of it made a broad pathway across the bay—­such a pathway as always makes one wish to walk along in the calm to find a place of rest.

Perhaps the dark rocks which rose with a sort of sullen majesty straight up from the water side, were more to Jacques’ fancy than the moon path on the water, for he was gazing intently across the hay at them, while apparently the rest of the beautiful scene was lost on him.  So intent was his gaze at the rocks—­on the summit of which was the Jerbourg fortress—­that he did not observe the presence of two persons who were coming slowly towards him.  Evidently they had not remarked him either, which was not so much to be wondered at as they were no other than Marguerite and Charlie!

Suddenly Jacques’ attention was drawn to them by a merry laugh from Marguerite.  On looking round and seeing who were there he ground his teeth in jealous rage and muttered to himself.  “Ha! now I may discover something,” and going a few steps round the corner, he turned himself into some bushes that overhung the path and bent down his head, prepared to listen to the conversation of the pair coming along.  Ah!  Marguerite; Ah, Charlie! how careful you would be did you know of the presence of that dark-faced Jacques with his evil designs.

Unconsciously Jacques had placed himself in an excellent position to hear and see all that was going on, as immediately beneath the bushes in which he had hidden himself there was a large block of granite on which the lovers sat down to await Hirzel, who was coming up from the bay.  Little they knew what power they were putting in the hands of one who would not scruple to use it to the utmost.

“So your father is still against me, Marguerite?”

“Yes, Charlie; and that dreadful Jacques is persecuting me as much as ever with his impertinent attentions.  Only this evening he brought me some bobbins which I told him he might take elsewhere.”

“That reminds me I have brought with me those I have been making; perhaps, though, you prefer those made by our dark friend, eh!  Marguerite?”

“Don’t jest about him, Charlie; it frightens me even to think of him.  I am sure he would work you a mischief if he could.”

“Ah!  Marguerite, don’t alarm yourself.  The worst mischief he can work is to bring a shade on your sweet face.  All this evening I have noticed a troubled look in those grey eyes of yours, which must be banished ere I see you again.  You surely do not think I am frightened at what such a fellow as that can do!  But what have I done with the bobbins?  I hope I have not dropped them.  Ah! well!  I suppose I did not bring them with me after all, but I promise you shall have them two nights hence.”