Gabrielle looked about her, as if to be assured that no one was within
hearing, and then whispered into Flora's ear: "Henri will never tell me,
but they hunt us down. Ever since I was a child we have fled from place
to place, hiding. I have often been roused at night by clash of swords
and Henri's voice, crying: 'I am here!' But his sword is always the
strongest, and we have always escaped."
"Surely you will be safe in Paris," Flora said.
Gabrielle sighed. "Why, it seems we dare not enter Paris yet. When we
left Madrid in your company Henri told me we were journeying to Paris,
but now we linger here outside the walls until Henri has seen some one--I
know not who; and while we linger here I must keep in-doors."
Flora looked mischievous. "Perhaps Henri is jealous, and tells this tale
to keep you to himself."