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Updated: September 10, 2025
Who could describe the pleasure felt by the Frenchmen as they gazed once more on the shores of their own dear country after so long an absence! Even Villemet lost his lugubrious looks, while his friend, brimming over with joy, seemed almost ready to leap into the sea to get there.
Villemet, as we have seen, was a light-hearted fellow, even to a fault; but his light-heartedness was simply nature's good gift to him, it was not the fruit of principle, like the newly-found cheerfulness of his friend Tournier, and could not, or at least did not, stand the strain of long continued uncertainty. "I will stand this vile bondage no longer," he said to himself one day.
The expedition was crowned with success. The infantry, who had been stationed outside the chateau, fled at once. Their commandant Villemet, Leigonyer's best officer, charged the Vendeans with his little body of cavalry. He was received with a volley. Two of his men were killed, and he himself and nine of his men were wounded.
No doubt the doctor was right in theory, but medical directions are sometimes more easy to give than to carry out. The doctor then drove away with Major Kelly, having first ascertained that Alice Cosin had sent for the best nurse in the village, who, wonderful to say, was a very good one. Soon after they had left, Villemet came hurrying to the house, having obtained leave from the major.
He had asked to see Tournier. "Tell him to come in here," said Cosin, "and I will leave you to yourselves." "Pray don't," said the other laughing; "I have no secrets with the worthy host of the 'Wheat Sheaf." "I have brought bad news, gentlemen," said the man hurriedly; "your friend, Mr. Villemet, has made away with himself " "What! killed himself?" both exclaimed in horror.
He sprung about the deck, sang snatches of songs, laughed at every remark Villemet made even when there was nothing to laugh at, in fact, made himself somewhat ridiculous. As soon as they landed, they instantly made arrangements to post straight away to their homes, which were not far apart from each other.
Only Villemet would have a parting shot, and as he retired, said, "If ever I meet that coquin outside these cursed walls, I'll horsewhip him black and blue." The man was making for Villemet, but his companions pulled him back. Within an hour Captain Martin had returned with a troop of yeomanry.
"Tournier will soon be here again!" cried Cosin to his sister, unable to repress the pleasure that he felt, but entirely, dull fellow that he was, on his own account. And all, saving Villemet, finished their ride in the best of spirits. Next day came the parting.
So, if you will pass your word of honour to me that you will not again attempt to escape, and come back with us, no one shall know anything about this matter; and, as you will remember, your parole from the major extends over to-morrow, so you will be all right in that quarter." Villemet made no reply.
At length, on the third day in the early morning, the eyes of the sick man opened, and fully rested on the familiar face of his friend. Instantly, but without any startling haste, Villemet was on his knee beside him, looking at him with a placid smile, as if nothing had happened. "I have been so happy. I have been to France, and seen the old place and my mother. But is it not strange?
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