"But should this not be so," he said, "should all the valour of the Vendeans not be able to secure even thus much, then remember that God will temper the wind to the shorn lamb.

With a people as with an individual, he will not make the burden too heavy for the back which has to bear it." He spoke also of Marie, and declared his wish that she should not delay her marriage with Henri.

He even said, that should his life be so far prolonged, as to enable him to be carried over into Brittany, and should the army there find a moment's rest, he would wish to see their hands joined together at his bed-side.
"My poor dear Marie!" said Madame de Lescure, almost unconsciously.

She was thinking of her sister's future fate; that she also might have soon to bewail a husband, torn from her by these savage wars.

De Lescure understood what was passing through her mind, and said: "I know, love, that there are reasons why they had better remain as they now are.