Henri, Arthur, and one or two other Vendean officers, sat down to a hurried breakfast, while Marie and Agatha moved about the room, behind their chairs, attending to their wants.  Chapeau had now too many of a soldier’s duties to give his time to those of a serving-man, and the sisters and wives of the Vendean officers had long since learnt to wait on the heroes whom they loved and admired.  De Lescure was already seated on his sofa, by the window, and his wife was, as usual, close to his side.  He had wonderfully improved since he reached Laval; and though it was the firm conviction, both of himself and of his surgeon, that his wound must ultimately prove mortal, he was again alive to all that was done, and heart and soul intent on the interests of the war.

“Oh! what would I give to be but one hour today on horseback!” said he.  “To lie pinioned here, and hear the sounds of brave men fighting!  To know that the enemy are in the very street beneath me, and yet to be unable to strike a blow!  Oh! it is fearfully tormenting.”

Henri said something intended to comfort him.

“It is well for you to talk,” continued de Lescure.  “How would you have borne it yourself?  You would have fretted and fumed, and dashed yourself like a bird against its cage, till either your senses or your breath had left you.  Henri,” he then added, in a calmer tone, “I feel that you will be successful today.”

“That’s a most glorious omen,” said Henri, jumping up; “I look on success as certain when predicted by Charles, for he is the least sanguine among us all.”

“But, Henri,” said he, “take my advice, and don’t attack them till they are close to the town.  You may be sure they will be ready enough to give you an opportunity.  After having driven us across the Loire like wild geese, Lechelle will not doubt his power to drive us also from the streets of Laval.”

It was agreed among them that de Lescure’s advice should be taken, and that none of the Vendeans should advance above a league on the road towards Antrames.  It was already known that General Lechelle, and his whole army, were in the neighbourhood of that town; and it was not likely that, as he had pursued the Vendeans so far, he would remain there long without giving them the opportunity they now desired, of again trying their strength with them.

As Henri prepared to leave the room, the little Chevalier rose to accompany him:  “No,” said Henri, stopping him.  “Do you remain with Chapeau today.  Wherever you are, I know you will do well, but today we must not ride together.”  As the boy looked woefully disappointed, he added, “I will explain to you why, this evening, if we both live through the day to meet again.”