“We will leave tomorrow,” the Duke stipulated firmly.
The Princesse put out her arms to Amé and held her close.
“My darling baby, perhaps one day we shall meet again. I shall pray for you ‒ always.”
“And I for you, ma mère.”
There was a sudden clatter of horses’ hoofs outside in the courtyard. The Princesse started, released Amé and went to the window.
“It is my husband who has returned,” she spoke in an agitated voice. “This is disastrous. It is indeed the worst thing that could have happened for he might suspect that I have revealed to you what the Duc de Chartres said. He will think it suspicious that you are here. Oh, what can we do?”
“Is there anywhere we can hide?” the Duke asked.
Through the curtains veiling the window he could see the Prince de Frémond stepping out of the co
