Her own servants waited on her, and it was known that below stairs Count Hannibal's riders kept sullen ward behind barred doors and shuttered windows, refusing admission to all who came.

Now and again echoes of the riot which filled the streets with bloodshed reached her ears: or word of the more striking occurrences was brought to her by Madame Carlat.

And early on this second day, Monday, it was whispered that M.de Tavannes had not returned, and that the men below were growing uneasy.
At last, when the suspense below and above was growing tense, it was broken.

Footsteps and voices were heard ascending the stairs, the trampling and hubbub were followed by a heavy knock; perforce the door was opened.

While Mademoiselle, who had risen, awaited with a beating heart she knew not what, a cowled father, in the dress of the monks of St.Magloire, stood on the threshold, and, crossing himself, muttered the words of benediction.