"What a tone in her voice! she is laying a trap
for me."
At that instant a shrill cry of an owl which appeared to have perched
on the chimney top vibrated in the air like a warning.
"What does that mean?" said Mademoiselle de Verneuil. "Our journey
together will not begin under favorable auspices. Do owls in these
woods screech by daylight?" she added, with a surprised gesture.
"Sometimes," said the young man, coolly. "Mademoiselle," he continued,
"we may bring you ill-luck; you are thinking of that, I am sure. We
had better not travel together."
These words were said with a calmness and reserve which puzzled
Mademoiselle de Verneuil.
"Monsieur," she replied, with truly aristocratic insolence, "I am far
from wishing to compel you. Pray let us keep the little liberty the
Republic leaves us. If Madame were alone, I should insist--"
The heavy step of a soldier was heard in the passage, and the
Commandant Hulot presently appeared in the doorway with a frowning
brow.
"Come here, colonel," said Mademoiselle de Verneuil, smiling and
pointing to a chair beside her. "Let us talk over the affairs of
State. But what is the matter with you? Are there Chouans here?"
The commandant stood speechless on catching sight of the young man, at
whom he looked with peculiar attention.
"Mamma, will you take some more hare? Mademoiselle, you are not
eating," said the sailor to Francine, seeming busy with the guests.
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