"Pray, Charles, pray do not send us away.

Let us go where you go.

It cannot be worse for us than it is for you." "You cannot go to the chateau, dearest, when we have every reason to suppose it is in the hands of the republicans, and more than probably burnt to the ground by this time." "Oh! don't send me back to Chatillon," said Marie; "it would be hours and hours before we should hear what happens to you, and what has happened to Agatha." "If the ladies wouldn't think ill of going to Echanbroignes," said Jean Stein, "they would be safe there, and near at hand to learn all as it goes on at Durbelliere.

I am sure father and Annot would do their best to make the ladies comfortable, as long as they might be pleased to stay there." After considerable discussion this plan was adopted.

The party travelled on together, till the roads to Durbelliere and Echanbroignes separated; and then, with many charges, the two ladies were entrusted to the care of the smith's son.
"We will come to you, or send to you the moment we are able," said de Lescure, "whether our news be good or bad.