Cathelineau was still sitting, and he looked up into de Lescure’s face with thankful admiration.  “Ah!  M. de Lescure, with such guides as you, with such a heart, such courage as yours, no walls shall hinder us, no enemies prevent us.”

“You shall have many such friends, Cathelineau,” said he; “many as eager, and very many more useful.”

“None more useful,” said the postillion; “none could be more useful.”

“No; none more useful,” said the Marquis; “may you have many friends as good, and then you will succeed.”

“Saumur let it be, then,” said Henri.  “I have no doubt you are right; and indeed I do not claim to be great in council; I only hope I may not be found backward in action.”

“That you never, never will,” said Agatha.  “That he never will, Mademoiselle:  a Larochejaquelin was never backward in the hour of need,” said Cathelineau.

“They know how to flatter in St. Florent, my friend,” said she smiling.

“If that be flattery, all the country flatters.  I only speak as I hear others speaking; they say that beauty and courage were always to be found at Durbelliere.”

“Nay, Agatha; but is he not Bayard complete?” said Marie laughing.  “I am sure we should be obliged; it is an age since we received a compliment here in the Bocage.”

“The ladies are laughing at me,” said Cathelineau, rising, “and it is time that I and my friend should cease to trouble you.”

“But where would you go, Cathelineau?” said Henri.

“Back to St. Florent; we have gained our object; we can tell our townsmen that the gentlemen of Poitou will fight on their side.”

“We will tell them so together, tomorrow by sunset,” said Henri; “it is now late, you and Foret stay here tonight; not a word either of you, for your life.  I command this garrison; do not you, Cathelineau, be the first to shew an example of disobedience.  Father Jerome, lay hands on Foret, lest he fly.  Why, my friend, have we so much time to spare, that we can afford to lose it in foolish ceremony?  Have we not a thousand plans to mature—­a thousand things to settle, which we must settle, and none but we, and which we must discuss together?  Are there not here four, six of us, brothers in arms together?  I count you one, Father Jerome; and are we not here with the benefit of our father’s advice?  When shall we all meet again, or when could we meet that our meeting would be more desirable?  Well, go if you will, Cathelineau,” added he, seeing that the postillion hesitated; “but every one here will tell you that you are wrong to do so.”

“Stay, my friend,” said the Marquis, who understood well the different feelings which perplexed the mind of the postillion; “stay, my friend, and take your supper with us; you have undertaken a great work, and have shewn yourself fit for it, do not let little things embarrass you.  Agatha, darling, see that beds be got ready for our friends.  Father Jerome also will remain here tonight, and Charles, and Adolphe; we may not have many merry suppers more, we will at any rate enjoy tonight.”