The carriage had
followed her to the door for the purpose as soon as it could be got
ready, and to add to my exceeding gratitude, she was willing to take
me with her. Sir Francis insisted on going to my mother. He said it
was right, but we doubted whether it would do any good. We waited
only for tidings which her son had promised to send, and they came at
last in a small billet sent by one of his clerks. The Coadjutor had
absolutely fired at the notion of such a hit to the opposite party,
and was only getting together what were called the "First of
Corinthians," namely, the corps who had belonged to him during the
siege, and had obtained the nickname because he was titular
Archbishop of Corinth.
Clement would not leave him a moment, lest he should be diverted from
his purpose, but sent word to Madame Darpent that she, or whoever was
to escort Madame de Bellaise, was to meet him at seven o'clock in the
open space by the Barriere, showing a green light through the
carriage window, when he would show a red one.
Oh! what might not had happened before we could get there! I thought
I was used enough to suspense, I who had heard the rattle of the
musketry in more than one battle, but I should have been wild had not
that best of women held my hands and soothed me and helped me to say
my prayers.
Hours seemed to go by as we sat in the dark with our lamp behind the
green curtain over the window, but at last the trampling of horses
was heard and the red light appeared.
Pages:
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290