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"Mademoiselle!" cried Rougane on the same note. And then, because he perceived that people detained in this fashion must be in some danger not yet discernible, but on that account more dreadful, he set his wits to work. As they were approaching the Hotel Plougastel once more, he announced that he had solved the problem. "A passport from without would do equally well," he announced.
And now I had better see Rougane again at once, and obtain from him the other two permits required. Then perhaps it will be best that I take them to Paris myself, in the morning. If you will give me a bed, monsieur, I shall be grateful. I... I confess that I am hardly in case to do more to-night."
Into the late afternoon of that endless day of horror with its perpetual alarms, its volleying musketry, rolling drums, and distant muttering of angry multitudes, Mme. de Plougastel and Aline sat waiting in that handsome house in the Rue du Paradis. It was no longer for Rougane they waited.
But how?" "Young Rougane was to bring me permits for three persons Aline, myself, and my footman, Jacques. You would take the place of Jacques." "Faith, to get out of Paris, madame, there is no man whose place I would not take." And he laughed. Their spirits rose with his and their flagging hopes revived.
Rougane terrifying condescension was given a seat inside the carriage with the ladies, and proceeded to fall in love with Mlle. de Kercadiou, whom he accounted the most beautiful being he had ever seen, yet who talked to him simply and unaffectedly as with an equal.
Rougane informed him that insurrection was imminent, that already the sections had possessed themselves of the barriers, and that it was impossible for any person not fully accredited to enter or leave the city. Andre-Louis bowed his head, his thoughts of the gravest.
From her he looked at last at Jacques, who remained at attention, waiting by the open door. "Could we be alone, madame?" he asked her. She waved the footman away, and the door closed. In agitated silence, unquestioning, she waited for him to account for his presence there at so extraordinary a time. "Rougane could not return," he informed her shortly.
Can I serve you where Rougane cannot? The need, monsieur, would appear to be very urgent if the half of what I suspect is true. Aline should be placed in safety at once." M. de Kercadiou surrendered unconditionally. He came over and took Andre-Louis' hand. "My boy," he said, and he was visibly moved, "there is in you a certain nobility that is not to be denied.
"But he looks like a sansculotte, madame," the staunch fellow warned her. Her thoughts and hopes leapt at once to Rougane. "Bring him in," she commanded breathlessly. Jacques went out, to return presently accompanied by a tall man in a long, shabby, and very ample overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat that was turned down all round, and adorned by an enormous tricolour cockade.
"Then let your passport be for four, my friend," madame begged him. "There is Jacques," she explained, indicating the footman who had just assisted them to alight. Rougane departed confident of soon returning, leaving them to await him with the same confidence. But the hours succeeded one another, the night closed in, bedtime came, and still there was no sign of his return.
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