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It was only when the conference was ended, and he had consented to all the conditions, that he said, sadly: "We are friends, are we not?" In an almost inaudible voice she answered: "Yes." And that was all. He remounted his horse which had been held by a servant, and departed in the direction of Montaignac.
The Baron and the Baroness d'Escorval, and old Corporal Bavois had departed this life within a month of each other, the previous year, mourned by all. So that of all the people of diverse condition who had been connected with the troubles at Montaignac, Blanche knew only four who were still alive.
Bitter discontent pervaded the crowd at the Croix d'Arcy; and after the passing of the officers, who had hastened to warn Lacheneur of the disaster at Montaignac, the murmurs of dissatisfaction were changed to curses. These peasants, nearly two thousand in number, were indignant at not finding their leader awaiting them at the rendezvous. "Where is he?" they asked.
At the same hour that Lacheneur presented himself at the house of the Abbe Midon, they were seated upon the terrace in front of the house, gazing anxiously at the two roads leading from Escorval to the chateau, and to the village of Sairmeuse. Warned, that same morning, by his friends in Montaignac of the arrival of the duke, the baron had sent his son to inform M. Lacheneur.
One was nearly dead from its terrible journey of the previous night; the other two were in Montaignac. What were the ladies to do? To trust to the kindness of their neighbors was the only resource open to them. But these neighbors having heard of the baron's arrest, firmly refused to lend their horses.
His task here having been completed, he again recommended the most implacable severity, and started on a brisk trot for Montaignac. He was delighted; certainly he blessed as had M. de Courtornieu these honest and artless conspirators; but one fear, which he vainly tried to dismiss, impaired his satisfaction. His son, the Marquis de Sairmeuse, was he, or was he not, implicated in this conspiracy?
To speak plainly, even while we were in Montaignac, Monsieur Lacheneur's enemies succeeded in prejudicing my father against him." One would have sworn that he was speaking the truth, so persuasive was his voice, so entirely did the expression of his face, his glance, and his gestures accord with his words.
He turned; Maurice, Jean, and Corporal Bavois were approaching. The old soldier carried under his arm a long and narrow package, enveloped in a piece of green serge. It contained the swords which Jean Lacheneur had gone to Montaignac during the night to procure from a retired officer. "We are sorry to have kept you waiting," began Maurice, "but you will observe that it is not yet midday.
The chateau was then closed, the president of the district took possession of the keys in the name of the government, and the servants were scattered. Lacheneur took up his residence in Montaignac. Young, daring, and personally attractive, blessed with an energetic face, and an intelligence far above his station, it was not long before he became well known in the political clubs.
He is frightful to look upon, a perfect skeleton, and his eyes glitter like live coals. If he ever meets me, my account will be settled then and there." Blanche turned pale. It was Jean Lacheneur who had fired at the marquis then. She did not doubt it in the least. "Very well!" said she, "I, myself, am sure that Marie-Anne is in the neighborhood, concealed in Montaignac, probably. I must know.
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