Jean and Peter Stein were secretly preparing for a stolen march to Saumur; for their father was still inexorable, and they were determined not to be left behind when all the world was fighting for glory.

Old Michael was smoking at his ease, and Jacques was standing talking to him, wondering in his heart whether Annot could be really angry with him, when that young lady reappeared in the kitchen.
"Where have you been, Annot ?" said Michael Stein, "you didn't get your supper, yet child." "I was sick with the heat, father; walking home from St.Laud's." "I would not have you sick tonight, Annot, and our friends leaving us before sun-rise tomorrow.

Here is M.Chapeau complaining you are a bad hostess." "M.

Chapeau has enough to think of tonight, without my teasing him," said Annot; "great soldiers like him have not time to talk to silly girls.

I will walk across the green to Dame Rouel's, father; I shall be back before sunset." And Annot went out across the green, at the corner of which stood the smith's forge.