A confused account, first of the utter defeat of the Vendeans at Varin, and then of their complete victory at Saumur, had reached Durbelliere; and though the former account had made them as miserable, as the latter had made them happy, neither one nor the other was entirely believed.

De Lescure had sent an express to Clisson immediately after the taking of the town, and Madame de Lescure had sent from Clisson to Durbelliere; but still it was delightful to have the good news corroborated by the conquerors themselves, and Agatha was supremely happy.
"My own dear, darling Henri," she said, clinging round his neck, "my own brave, gallant brother, and were you not wounded at all--are you sure you are not wounded ?" "Not a touch, not a scratch, Agatha, as deep as you might give me with your bodkin." "Thank God! I thank Him with all my heart and soul: and I know you were the first everywhere.

Charles wrote but a word or too to Victorine, but he said you were the very first to set your foot in Saumur." "A mere accident, Agatha; while Charles had all the fighting--the real hard, up hill, hand to 'hand work--I and a few others walked into Saumur, or rather we swam in, and took possession of the town.

The Chevalier here was beside me, and was over the breach as soon as I was." "My brave young Arthur!" said Agatha, in her enthusiasm, kissing the forehead of the blushing Chevalier, "you have won your spurs like a knight and a hero; you shall be my knight and my hero.

And I will give you my glove to wear in your cap.