She grasped her father's hand, and fixed herself close to his chair, determined in that position to await the worst that her enemies could do her.
"Run, Agatha, run," said the Marquis, "into the garden, my dear love.
The gate will be open at the back.

Run, Agatha, for your life!" Agatha, however, did not stir.
"Do you hear me, Agatha ?" continued the old man, wildly supplicating her to go from him.

"Do you hear me, my daughter?
If you would have my blessing before I die, do as I bid you now.

What are my grey hairs to your young life, that you should sacrifice yourself for me ?" It was of no avail, for the daughter stood fast by her disabled father's side, grasping his right hand so that nothing should tear her from him, and turning her beautiful face towards the house, watching for the approach of her enemies.

Nor had she to watch long; before the Chevalier had been gone five minutes, Santerre, with his sword drawn, tramped heavily through the house, followed by Denot, and a score of his men.
The door from the salon to the garden steps was open, and without waiting a moment in the house, he marched through and confronted Agatha and her father.
"Here is your damsel safe, at any rate, friend Denot," said Santerre, "and a pretty girl she is too, but a bitter royalist, no doubt, by the proud turn of her white neck." Denot did not immediately follow Santerre on to the steps.