Part 45 (1/2)
”She is a generous soul!” exclaimed Felix, as we left the room. ”She has many strange whims, but no one could be more loyal to a friend, and she has grown to love Jeanne very dearly.”
”She is exceedingly kind,” I said, ”and the more so since we have no claims on her generosity.”
By the time Jacques arrived everything was ready, and we had only to bid my sister good-bye. She bore up bravely, but the parting was a painful one, for in our hearts both Felix and I had an uneasy feeling that we were saying farewell to her for ever. Of this, fortunately, she had no suspicion, and she promised the countess to return directly the business with the commandant was finished.
”Remember,” I whispered to Jacques, as the coachman gathered up the reins, ”there must be no delay. Reach Roch.e.l.le as quickly as possible, and keep your mistress there until I send to you. The commandant, who will understand the real purpose of the journey, will help you.”
Jacques drew up beside the carriage; Jeanne, leaning out, fluttered her dainty handkerchief; we waved our hands in response, and she was gone.
”Jeanne is a brave girl and a good girl,” said the countess. ”I wish she were my daughter. And now, you two villains, who have deprived an old woman of her only pleasure in life, leave me. I am going to my room, where I can cry comfortably. I am not so young that tears will spoil my eyes.”
On our way back to the _Hotel Coligny_ we encountered Monseigneur, with a body of his gentlemen, riding through the city. Numerous persons were in the streets, and as he pa.s.sed by, bowing and smiling graciously, they greeted him with cheers.
”Anjou has some purpose in doing that,” remarked Felix; but I made no answer, being occupied in watching L'Estang, who rode in the very rear of the cavalcade. He had caught sight of me, and while still looking straight before him he raised his hand, pointing significantly to the west. I nodded my head, and with a smile of satisfaction he rode on.
”Did you notice that?” I asked.
”Yes,” replied Felix, ”but without understanding.”
”The meaning was plain enough. He was asking if Jeanne had gone, and I answered 'Yes.'”
”He takes a great interest in your sister,” said Felix a trifle discontentedly.
”Because she is my sister,” I replied. ”Listen, the worthy citizens are cheering for Guise now.”
”I suppose he is parading the streets as well. What a pack of fools these Parisians are!”
”If they cheered for Coligny,” I laughed, ”you would credit them with all the wisdom under the sun. So much depends on one's point of view!”
”Edmond! Felix! Why do you look so astonished? Do you fancy I am a spirit? Feel my hand; that is substantial enough, is it not?” and Roger Braund laughed heartily as he crossed the lobby of the Admiral's house toward us.
”You in Paris!” I exclaimed, after we had exchanged greetings, ”when did you arrive? How long have you been here?”
”An hour,” he replied cheerfully. ”Is your sister well, Edmond?”
”Quite well, thank you. She is on the way to Roch.e.l.le; but come to our room, where we can talk more privately.”
He accompanied us to our room, and I told him the story as it has been set down here.
”You did right,” said he thoughtfully! ”Paris just now is no place for her. But this journey to Roch.e.l.le is a hazardous venture with only Jacques to protect her!”
”Jacques is a man of courage and discretion!” exclaimed Felix, with rather more heat than was necessary.
”Jacques is a brave fellow,” agreed Roger, ”but he is only one man.
Edmond, with your leave, I will set out after the travellers, and a.s.sist Jacques in guarding your sister.”
”You will have but a short stay in Paris,” remarked Felix.