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Page 512
smile began to grow on her face. "So I could," she murmured thoughtfully. "Yes, I believe I could." The smile disappeared and she looked anxiously at Joanna. "The bad thing is that it will have to be done soon. I am afraid Louis will refuse to go if we wait until Geoffrey has most of his strength back. Léon's mother is not mad. When her rage cools, she will begin to think of what she told me. She will suspect I am trying to save Lord Geoffrey by this ruse, even if Léon does not believe it is a ruse, and she will tell Louis. Even then, I do not know how much time you would have. I fear that when you leave she will find a way to send a messenger to Léon and Louis. I would not dare stop her openly. I am sorry"
"Dear Gilliane," Joanna said, "do not apologize. You have done more for Geoffrey and for me than we had any right to expect. And I never even thanked you, never even said how grateful I was that you preserved him for me. You could well have hated me for my unmannerly bearing"
"Oh, no." Gilliane smiled with singular sweetness. "You do not know it, but you have done as much for memore perhaps than I for you."

 
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