The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE BANQUET. 275
the Duke has allowed the French to find
winter quarters on this side the Alps, for
knowing your strict loyalty, he would con-
fide the strangers to your kind keeping.
But there is one way in which you could
yourselves subserve the cause of order, and
place your loyalty to the Duke in the
strongest possible light."
quis ;
" In what way, my Lord ?" asked Bian-
" we will show our obedience to our
Sovereign in any way that does not affect
our duty to Grod nor our liberty of cod-
science."
a My knightly word is pledged for your
safety, deputies, so you need not hesitate."
At this moment faint screams were
heard through the open window, which
seemed to come from the lower parts of
the convent. The deputies involuntarily
exchanged glances, and the Marquis of
Pianesse turned pale, as he muttered an
execration to himself.
At a private nod, an attendant shut the