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longer.  Can you recall any of the men who visited here when the comte was alive?’
                  ‘He did not encourage visitors but there were a few.’  Constance wrinkled her smooth brow.  ‘I recall one man…he was not ill favoured but his eyes made me feel as if he were stripping me naked when he looked my way.  The comte was pleased with his company.  He sent for wine and he made Madeline join them for dinner.  She told me afterwards that they had business together.  She did not know what but she didn’t like the visitor.’
                  ‘Renard…’ Moraven looked thoughtful.  ‘Could it have been he?’
                  ‘Perhaps.  I had never heard his name then.  It was only after…he called himself Devallier…yes, the man who came here was the Comte Devallier.’
                  ‘Another of Renard’s names.’  Moraven nodded.  ‘It was good fortune that I returned when I did.  Renard knows what you’ve been doing and he knows you are not the comtesse.  He believed you to be friendless, apart from your servants and the nuns.  Had he succeeded in snatching you, I think you know your fate?’
                  ‘Yes.’  Constance’s face was pale as she stood up once more.  ‘I must take more care in future.  I shall ask Pierre to escort me to the market in future – and I shall not go out at night alone.’
                  ‘If that were enough we should be fortunate,’ Moraven said grimly.  ‘I do not think you can stay here alone when I leave – unless I stay in the house until I have dealt with him.  Even then you may not be safe in Paris.  He may have friends who will try to avenge him.’
                  ‘What do you mean?  I thought you meant to stay for a few days…’
                  ‘We could make it a permanent arrangement.  Not immediately, of course, but in time you might become my mistress.’
                  ‘No!  How dare you?  I shall never agree to such an arrangement.’
                  ‘As you wish, it was merely a suggestion for your protection.  I am perfectly happy to continue as we are until my business here is done.’
                  ‘Exactly what is your business, sir – if I may ask?’
                  ‘My business is to find a traitor, an enemy and an evil man who deserves his fate.  What I do then is best left unsaid.  Suffice it that he will not trouble you again in person once the score is settled.’
                  Constance felt chilled as she saw the ice in his eyes.  ‘He is a ruthless man.  Have you considered the chance that he may kill you?’
                  ‘He will certainly try.’  Moraven smiled.  ‘However, as you saw this morning, I am prepared.  I shall do my best to bring him to justice without losing my life – but what happens, happens. My life is not of paramount importance here…’
                  ‘I see…’ Constance inclined her head.  ‘Thank you for telling me the truth.  I believe we are safer with you living here than we were.  You may stay for as long as you wish – but on the terms we previously agreed.’
                  ‘Certainly, madame.  I shall take you to my bed only when you are willing and eager, though I might wish otherwise. It would be a pleasant arrangement I believe, one that could bring us both pleasure.’
                  ‘That will never be!’
                  ‘Indeed?’ A smile played across his mouth.  ‘I would wager you will change your mind one day – and now I shall not keep you for I believe you have work to do…’
                  Constance gasped.  The arrogance of the man was unbelievable.  She would not give him the pleasure of seeing her discomforted.
                  ‘I do thank you