you."

Jacques drew up beside the carriage; Jeanne, leaning out, fluttered her
dainty handkerchief; we waved our hands in response, and she was gone.

"Jeanne is a brave girl and a good girl," said the countess. "I wish she
were my daughter. And now, you two villains, who have deprived an old
woman of her only pleasure in life, leave me. I am going to my room,
where I can cry comfortably. I am not so young that tears will spoil my
eyes."

On our way back to the _Hotel Coligny_ we encountered Monseigneur, with
a body of his gentlemen, riding through the city. Numerous persons were
in the streets, and as he passed by, bowing and smiling graciously, they
greeted him with cheers.

"Anjou has some purpose in doing that," remarked Felix; but I made no
answer, being occupied in watching L'Estang, who rode in the very rear
of the cavalcade. He had caught sight of me, and while still looking
straight before him he raised his hand, pointing significantly to the
west. I nodded my head, and with a smile of satisfaction he rode on.

"Did you notice that?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Felix, "but without understanding."

"The meaning was plain enough. He was asking if Jeanne had gone, and I
answered 'Yes.'"

"He takes a great interest in your sister," said Felix a trifle
discontentedly.

"Because she is my sister," I replied. "Listen, the worthy citizens are
cheering for Guise now."

"I suppose he is parading the streets as well. What a pack of fools
these Parisians are!"

"If they cheered for Coligny," I laughed, "you would credit them with
all the wisdom under the sun. So much depends on one's point of view!"

"Edmond! Felix! Why do you look so astonished? Do you fancy I am a
spirit? Feel my hand; that is substantial enough, is it not?" and Roger
Braund laughed heartily as he crossed the lobby of the Admiral's house
toward us.

"You in Paris!" I exclaimed, after we had exchanged greetings, "when did
you arrive? How long have you been here?"

"An hour," he replied cheerfully. "Is your sister well, Edmond?"

"Quite well, thank you. She is on the way to Rochelle; but come to our
room, where we can talk more privately."

He accompanied us to our room, and I told him the story as it has been
set down here.

"You did right," said he thoughtfully! "Paris just now is no place for
her. But this journey to Rochelle is a hazardous venture with only
Jacques to protect her!"

"Jacques is a man of courage and discretion!" exc