“And you, Henri—­merciful Heaven! what are you about to do—­will you take up arms against the whole republic?”

“With God’s blessing I will—­against the whole republic.”

“May the Lord, in his mercy, look on you and give you his assistance; and as your cause is just and holy, He will do so.  Whatever women can do, we will do; you shall have our prayers for your success our tears for your reverses, and our praises for your courage; and when you require it, as some of you will too soon, our tenderest care in your sufferings.”  At this moment Marie de Lescure entered the room.  “Marie,” continued Agatha, you will help to succour those who are wounded in fighting for their King?”

“Indeed, and indeed I will,” said the bright-eyed girl, eagerly, and regret only that I cannot do more; that I cannot myself be in the battle.  But, M. Larochejaquelin, will the people rise? will there really be fighting? will Charles be there?”

“Indeed he will, Marie; the first among the foremost.  Agatha asked me but now, who would be our leaders?  Is there a man in the Bocage—­aye, in all Poitou, who will not follow Charles de Lescure?”

“May the blessed Saviour watch over him and protect him,” said Marie, shuddering.

“But tell me, Henri;” said Agatha, “where will it commence—­where will they first resist the troops?”

“I cannot say exactly,” said he, “in many places at once I hope.  In St. Florent, they say, not a man will join; in Clisson and Torfou they begin on Monday.  Charles, and I, and Adolphe will be in Clisson.  Father Jerome has the whole lists; he says that in St. Laud’s, in Echanbroignes, and Clisson, they are ready, to a man, to oppose the troops:  he will go with me to Clisson on Sunday afternoon; on Monday, with God’s will, we will be in the thick of it”

“And will Father Jerome be there, among the soldiers “said Marie.

“Why not,” said Henri, “will the peasants fight worse when they see their priest before them?”

“And if he should fall?”

“He will fail in the service of his God and his King; Father Jerome will be here himself tomorrow.”

“The Cure of St Laud’s,” said Agatha, “is not the man to sit idle, when good work is to be done, but, oh! what awful times are these, when the priests themselves have to go out to fight for their altars and their crucifix.”

“I will return home with you, M Larochejaquelin, when you go to Clisson,” said Marie.

“And leave Agatha alone?” said Henri

“Don’t mind me, Henri,” said Agatha, “I shall be well here.  Marie cannot leave Madame de Lescure alone, when her husband is, away and in such danger.”

“You will soon have company here enough,” said Henri.  “De Lescure, and I, and Adolphe, and Heaven knows whom besides.  Charette will be in arms, and d’Autachamps, the Prince de Talmont, and M. Bonchamps.  At present their business is at a distance from us; but we shall probably be all brought together sooner or later, and they will all be welcome at Durbelliere.”