"Mademoiselle had the fool Jean arrested, but he escaped by means of a hidden rope from the terrace of the South Tower. They are searching for him, but he may not be found."
"He should have been killed, as I counselled," said Felix.
"The fact remains that he is free, and faithful to Roger Herrick."
"Ay, Father Bertrand; and since he had wit enough to prepare so unexpected a way of escape you may rest assured that he has wit enough to find means of communicating with his master," said the Countess. "Your bubble scheme is pricked already."
"Madame, I——"
"And you will be called upon to pay the price, father," she went on. "Words do not deceive me, and upon honest men there is ever a mark that cannot be mistaken. Women may fail to reason adroitly, but instinct carries them to the heart of the matter."
"Being a priest, I know little of women and their methods," he answered. "The day after to-morrow, Count. You will be ready?"
"Yes," was the answer, given firmly after a moment's pause. Elisabeth came slowly across the room.
"Until then use my house as you will, Felix, but it is better that we should meet no more. Your road and mine are not the same. I wish you well upon your journey; I hope that in strewing it with so many and great difficulties I may prove a false prophetess. For my own journey I have much to prepare. Good-bye!"