and which she knew to be
Pierre's beckoning to her. Her grandfather did not see it. She
withdrew herself from him with a sportive kiss, ordered him to rest for
a while, and think of nothing but her humming-birds, and carried the
tray out of the room.

Pierre was there, waiting impatiently with a note from Afra.

"I did not bring it in, Mademoiselle," said he, "because I am sure there
is something amiss. A soldier brought the note; and he says he has
orders to stay for my master's commands."

Afra's note told what this meant. It was as follows:--

"Dearest Euphrosyne,

"Do not be frightened. There is time, if you come directly. There is
no danger, if you come to us. The cultivators are marching hither over
the plain. It is with the whites that they are angry; so you had better
make yourselves secure with us. The soldier who brings this will escort
Monsieur Revel and you this little way through the streets: but you must
lose no time. We are sorry to hurry your grandfather; but it cannot be
helped. Come, my dearest, to your

"Afra Raymond."

Pierre saw his young lady's face turn as pale as any nun's, as she
glanced over this note.

"The carriage, Pierre! Have it to the door instantly."

"With your leave. Mademoiselle, the soldier says no French carriages
will be safe in the streets this morning."

"Oh, mercy! A chair, then. Send for a chair this moment. The soldier
will go for it--ask him as a favour. They will not dare to refuse one
to a governor's guard. Then come, and dress your master, and do not
look so grave, Pierre, before him."

Pierre went, and was met at the door by a servant with another note. It
was--

"Do not come by the street, dearest Euphrosyne. The nuns will let you
through their garden, into our garden alley, if you can only get your
grandfather over the balcony. My two messengers will help you; but they
are much wanted:--so make haste.

"A.E."

"Make the soldiers sling an arm-chair from the balcony, Pierre; and send
one of them round into the convent garden, to be ready to receive us
there. The abbess will have the gate open to the Government-house
alley. Then come, and dress your master; and leave it to me to tell him
everything."

"Likely enough," muttered Pierre; "for I know nothing of what is in
those notes myself."

"And I do not understand what it is all about," said Euphrosyne, as she
returned to her grandfather.

He had fallen into a light doze, lull