'
"A worthless hussy takes a noble name to soil it with such treachery,"
added Madame du Gua.
A movement of astonishment ran through the assembly.
"The fight is not even if the Republic employs such pretty women
against us," said the Baron du Guenic gaily.
"Especially women who have nothing to lose," said Madame du Gua.
"Nothing?" cried the Chevalier du Vissard. "Mademoiselle has a
property which probably brings her in a pretty good sum."
"The Republic must like a joke, to send strumpets for ambassadors,"
said the Abbe Gudin.
"Unfortunately, Mademoiselle seeks the joys that kill," said Madame du
Gua, with a horrible expression of pleasure at the end she foresaw.
"Then why are you still living?" said her victim, rising to her feet,
after repairing the disorder of her clothes.
This bitter sarcasm excited a sort of respect for so brave a victim,
and silenced the assembly. Madame du Gua saw a satirical smile on the
lips of the men, which infuriated her, and paying no attention to the
marquis and Merle who were entering the room, she called to the Chouan
who followed them. "Pille-Miche!" she said, pointing to Mademoiselle
de Verneuil, "take her; she is my share of the booty, and I turn her
over to you--do what you like with her."
At these words the whole assembly shuddered, for the hideous heads of
Pille-Miche and Marche-a-Terre appeared behind the marquis, and the
punishment was seen in all its horror.
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