A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 44: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

40 A GENTLEMAN FROM GASCONY., ~ ties. So she laid her hand gently upon De Vrissac’s arm, and, with an entire change of manner, in a tone of cajolery which she knew well how to assume on occa- sion, she said softly: “Hector, we are far from home, and, after my recent experience, I fear to go alone with Dame Brigitte. May I not claim your protection to the Hotel de Bassom pierre?” At the sweet persuasive accents, the Vicomte’s hars face softened a trifle, and, despite himself, he was forced to yield. Moreover his fair cousin, outside of and next to his ambition, was perhaps the one thing De Vrissac really cared for. The two moved away, followed hobblingly by the old duenna, but not before a swift, smiling glance from a pair of azure eyes had made music in Raoul’s heart, telling him as it did that the donor held him blameless for the recent altercation. When the graceful figure had vanished in one of the side streets, the chevalier sighed and passed his hand over his forehead as if awaking from a dream. As he did so, he noticed something white lying at his feet. Stooping he picked it up, and found it to be a dainty handkerchief, with the name Gabrielle embroidered in one corner. He made a movement as if to follow the owner of the pretty trifle, but, upon second thought, paused, pressed his lips to the needlework, and thrust the handkerchief into the breast of his doublet. A maid of honor to the Queen of Navarre, whose name was Gabrielle! It was but little to go upon, and the chances were exceedingly slim for a penniless ad- venturer like himself to encounter her. But, although he had suffered various slight scratches from the arrows of the mischievous love-god, this was the first time, as Comicbooks co im 2)