The poor brutes which carried them were barely able to lift their legs, and, Madame de Lescure was so overpowered with fatigue and anxiety, that she could hardly sustain herself in the pillion on which she sat.
The peasants whom they met from time to time asked them hundreds of questions about the war.

Many of the men of the district were already gone, and their wives and children were anxious to follow them, but the poor creatures did not know which way to turn.

They did not know where the army was, or in what quarter they would be most secure.

They had an undefined fear that the blues were coming upon them with fire and slaughter, and that they would be no longer safe, even in their own humble cottages.
One person told them that Chaudron was distant only two leagues, and hearing this they plucked up their courage, and made an effort to rouse that of their steeds.

Another, however, soon assured them that it was at the very least a long five leagues to Chaudron, and again their spirits sank in despair.