“But how could I hope that you meant less than you said, monsieur?  You were so very definite in your declaration.  What expressions of contrition could have served me without a purpose of amendment?  And I had no notion of amending.  We may yet be thankful for that.”

“Thankful?”

“I am a representative.  I have certain powers.  I am very opportunely returning to Paris.  Can I serve you where Rougane cannot?  The need, monsieur, would appear to be very urgent if the half of what I suspect is true.  Aline should be placed in safety at once.”

M. de Kercadiou surrendered unconditionally.  He came over and took Andre-Louis’ hand.

“My boy,” he said, and he was visibly moved, “there is in you a certain nobility that is not to be denied.  If I seemed harsh with you, then, it was because I was fighting against your evil proclivities.  I desired to keep you out of the evil path of politics that have brought this unfortunate country into so terrible a pass.  The enemy on the frontier; civil war about to flame out at home.  That is what you revolutionaries have done.”

Andre-Louis did not argue.  He passed on.

“About Aline?” he asked.  And himself answered his own question:  “She is in Paris, and she must be brought out of it at once, before the place becomes a shambles, as well it may once the passions that have been brewing all these months are let loose.  Young Rougane’s plan is good.  At least, I cannot think of a better one.”

“But Rougane the elder will not hear of it.”

“You mean he will not do it on his own responsibility.  But he has consented to do it on mine.  I have left him a note over my signature to the effect that a safe-conduct for Mlle. de Kercadiou to go to Paris and return is issued by him in compliance with orders from me.  The powers I carry and of which I have satisfied him are his sufficient justification for obeying me in this.  I have left him that note on the understanding that he is to use it only in an extreme case, for his own protection.  In exchange he has given me this safe-conduct.”

“You already have it!”

M. de Kercadiou took the sheet of paper that Andre-Louis held out.  His hand shook.  He approached it to the cluster of candles burning on the console and screwed up his short-sighted eyes to read.

“If you send that to Paris by young Rougane in the morning,” said Andre-Louis, “Aline should be here by noon.  Nothing, of course, could be done to-night without provoking suspicion.  The hour is too late.  And now, monsieur my godfather, you know exactly why I intrude in violation of your commands.  If there is any other way in which I can serve you, you have but to name it whilst I am here.”

“But there is, Andre.  Did not Rougane tell you that there were others... "

“He mentioned Mme. de Plougastel and her servant.”

“Then why... ?” M. de Kercadiou broke off, looking his question.