Shouts hailed the
coming of the gars of Marignay, who were recognized by their banner.
Under cover of the tumult which the new-comers and the priests excited
in the camp, Mademoiselle de Verneuil was able to make her way past it
and into the town without danger. She stopped at a plain-looking inn
not far from the building where the ball was to be given. The town was
so full of strangers that she could only obtain one miserable room.
When she was safely in it Galope-Chopine brought Francine the box
which contained the ball dress, and having done so he stood
stock-still in an attitude of indescribable irresolution. At any other
time Mademoiselle de Verneuil would have been much amused to see what
a Breton peasant can be like when he leaves his native parish; but now
she broke the charm by opening her purse and producing four crowns of
six francs each, which she gave him.
"Take it," she said, "and if you wish to oblige me, you will go
straight back to Fougeres without entering the camp or drinking any
cider."
The Chouan, amazed at her liberality, looked first at the crowns
(which he had taken) and then at Mademoiselle de Verneuil; but she
made him a sign with her hand and he disappeared.
"How could you send him away, mademoiselle?" said Francine. "Don't you
see how the place is surrounded? we shall never get away! and who will
protect you here?"
"You have a protector of your own," said Marie maliciously, giving in
an undertone Marche-a-Terre's owl cry which she was constantly
practising.
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