Chavernay, who had kept resolutely apart from the rest of the guests, now
advanced to the beautiful girl who stood there alone and friendless, save
for Flora, and made her a respectful bow. "I will defend you in his
name," he said, simply.
Flora clapped her hands. "Bravo, little man!" she cried.
Gonzague, with a stern gesture, motioned to Chavernay to stand back. "You
presume," he said. "I offer this deluded girl protection. It is for me to
see that she is properly provided for."
Gabrielle gave him a glance that pierced through his specious
protestations. "You wish the daughter of Nevers to die. If you have
killed Lagardere, I have no wish to live."
Gonzague answered her, urbanely: "You take the matter too seriously. You
have shared an imposture. I propose to shield you from punishment. You
shall tramp the highways no longer. Here is an honest gentleman ready to
marry you, to forgive and to forget. Advance, Æsop."
At that command the hunchback, who had been leaning against a chair an
apparently amused spectator of the not untragic scene, shambled slowly
forward more ungainly than ever in his finery, his long sword swinging
grotesquely against his legs.