“Watched?  What do you mean?” almost gasped Quentin.

“I can only say that you are in danger and that you have incurred the displeasure of a man who brooks no interference.”

He stared at her for a moment, his mind in a whirl.  The thought that she might be mad grew, but was instantly succeeded by another which came like a shock.

“Is this man of noble blood?”

“Yes,” she almost whispered, turning her eyes away.

“And he means to do me harm?”

“I am sure of it.”

“Because?”

“Because he fears your power.”

“In what direction?”

“You know without asking, M. Quentin.”

“And why do you take this interest in me?  I am nothing to you.”

“It’s because you are not to be treated fairly.  Listen.  On this train are two men who do not know that I am here, and who would be confounded if they were to see me.  They are in one of the forward coaches, and they are emissaries sent on to watch your every movement and to report the progress of your—­your business in Brussels.  If you become too aggressive before the man who employs them can arrange to come to Brussels, you are to be dealt with in a manner effectual.  What is to be done with you, I do not know, but I am certain you are in great danger unless you—­” She paused, and a queer expression came into her wide eyes.

“Unless what?  You interest me.”  “Unless you withdraw from the contest.”  “You assume that there is a contest of some sort.  Well, admitting there is one, I’ll say that you may go back to the prince and tell him his scheme doesn’t work.  This story of yours—­pardon me, Mademoiselle—­is a clever one, and you have done your part well, but I am not in the least alarmed.  Kindly return to the man who sent you and ask him to come in your stead if he wants to frighten me.  I am not afraid of women, you know.”

“You wrong me, Monsieur; I am not his agent.  I am acting purely on my own responsibility, for myself alone.  I have a personal object in warning you, but that is neither here nor there.  Let me add that I wish you success in the undertaking which now interests you.  You must believe me, though, when I say that you are in danger.  Forewarned is forearmed.  I do not know what steps are to be taken against you; time will expose them.  But I do know that you are not to win what you seek.”

“This is a very strange proceeding,” began he, half-convinced of her sincerity.

“We are nearing Le Cateau, and I must leave you.  The men of whom I speak are the Duke Laselli and a detective called Courant.  I know they are sent to watch you, and they mean you no good.  Be careful, for God’s sake, Monsieur, for I—­I—­want you to win!” She was standing now, and with trembling fingers was adjusting a thick veil over her face.

“Why are you so interested in me?” he asked, sharply.  “Why do you want me to win—­to win, well, to win the battle?”