Shouts rose from the nearest group: "Bravo, Chantegreil! Chantegreil for ever! She shall remain with us; she'll bring us luck!" They would have cheered her for a long time yet had not the order to resume the march arrived.

Whilst the column moved on, Miette pressed Silvere's hand and whispered in his ear: "You hear! I shall remain with you.

Are you glad ?" Silvere, without replying, returned the pressure.

He consented.

In fact, he was deeply affected, unable to resist the enthusiasm which fired his companions.