‘The ivory clasp?’ asked Louis, perceiving its absence.

‘Oh yes!’ she cried, in much distress, ’I would not have lost it for all the world.’

‘You may have left it at Miss Longman’s.’

‘No, no, I was never without it!’

She turned, and made a few retrograde steps, searching on the ground, as if conscious only of her loss, shaking off his hand when he touched her arm to detain her.

A discovery broke on, him.  Well that he could bear it!

‘Hark!’ he said, ’there is cannon firing!  Miss Conway, you cannot go back.  I will do my utmost to recover your clasp, but we must not stay here.’

‘I had forgotten.  I beg your pardon, I did not think!’ said Isabel, with a species of rebuked submission, as if impressed by the calmness that gave authority to his manner; and she made no remark as he made her resume his arm, and hurried her on past houses with closed doors and windows.

Suddenly there was the sound of a volley of musketry far behind.  ‘Heaven help the poor wretches,’ said Louis; and Isabel’s grasp tightened on his arm.

Again, again—­the dropping sound of shot became continual.  And now it was in front as well as in the rear; and the booming of cannon resounded from the heart of the city.  They were again on the outskirts of a crowd.

‘It is as I thought,’ said Louis, ’we are between both.  There is nothing for it but to push on, and see whether we can cross the barricades; are you afraid to encounter it!’

‘No,’ said Isabel.

’There is a convent not far off, I think.  We might find shelter for you there.  Yet they might break in.  It might not be easy to meet.  I believe you are safer with me.  Will you trust in me?’

’I will not have you endanger yourself for me.  Dispose of me as you will—­in a convent, or anywhere.  Your life is precious, your safety is the first thing.’

‘You are speaking in irony.’

‘I did not mean it:  I beg your pardon.’  But she coloured and faltered.  ’You must distinctly understand that this is only as Englishman to Englishwoman.’

‘As Englishman to Englishwoman,’ repeated Louis, in her own formula.  ‘Or rather,’ he added, lowering his voice, ’trust me, for the sake of those who gave the clasp.’

He was answered by her involuntary pressure of his arm, and finally, to set her at ease, he said, hurriedly, ’If it went wrong with me, it would be to Lima that I should ask you to send my love.’

There was no time for more.  They were again on the freshly-torn ground, whence the pavement had been wrenched.  The throng had thickened behind them, and seemed to be involving them in the vortex.  Above their heads Louis could see in front between the tall houses, the summit of another barricade complete, surmounted with the red flag, and guarded by a fierce party of ruffians.