CHAPTER XI.
ANNOT STEIN.
It will be remembered that the party escaping from the Chateau of Clisson met Jean Stein, when they had come within four or five leagues of Durbelliere.

He had been sent from Echanbroignes, by Chapeau, to tell Henri what had happened, to assure him that every possible effort would be made to rescue his father and sister from the republicans, and if possible to save the chateau, and to beg him to return home as speedily as he possibly could.

Jean was spared the greatest portion of his journey, and having told his tale, added that perhaps "Messieurs would not think it prudent to take the ladies with them to Durbelliere just at present." "Oh heavens! what are we to do ?" said Madame de Lescure; "we are running from one hostile army into the middle of another.

Poor Agatha! my poor Agatha! what will become of her ?" "Had we not better send them to Chatillon ?" said Henri, speaking to de Lescure.

"They will, at any rate, be safe there for a time." "We won't be sent any where--indeed we won't--will we, Marie ?" said Madame de Lescure.