"I am sure we should be obliged; it is an age since we received a compliment here in the Bocage." "The ladies are laughing at me," said Cathelineau, rising, "and it is time that I and my friend should cease to trouble you." "But where would you go, Cathelineau ?" said Henri.
"Back to St.Florent; we have gained our object; we can tell our townsmen that the gentlemen of Poitou will fight on their side." "We will tell them so together, tomorrow by sunset," said Henri; "it is now late, you and Foret stay here tonight; not a word either of you, for your life.

I command this garrison; do not you, Cathelineau, be the first to shew an example of disobedience.

Father Jerome, lay hands on Foret, lest he fly.

Why, my friend, have we so much time to spare, that we can afford to lose it in foolish ceremony?
Have we not a thousand plans to mature--a thousand things to settle, which we must settle, and none but we, and which we must discuss together?
Are there not here four, six of us, brothers in arms together?
I count you one, Father Jerome; and are we not here with the benefit of our father's advice?
When shall we all meet again, or when could we meet that our meeting would be more desirable?
Well, go if you will, Cathelineau," added he, seeing that the postillion hesitated; "but every one here will tell you that you are wrong to do so." "Stay, my friend," said the Marquis, who understood well the different feelings which perplexed the mind of the postillion; "stay, my friend, and take your supper with us; you have undertaken a great work, and have shewn yourself fit for it, do not let little things embarrass you.
Agatha, darling, see that beds be got ready for our friends.

Father Jerome also will remain here tonight, and Charles, and Adolphe; we may not have many merry suppers more, we will at any rate enjoy tonight." "And Cathelineau," said Henri, "you will not, I trust, be less welcome in St.Florent tomorrow because I accompany you." It was then decided that they should all remain there that night, that de Lescure and Adolphe should return with Marie to Clisson on the following morning, and that Henri and the priest should accompany Foret and the postillion to St.Florent, there to make the best arrangement within their power for the immediate protection of the place.
They were not very merry that evening, but they were by no means unhappy; as Henri had said they had much to talk of, and they spent an anxious evening, but each satisfied the other.