And as for Madame, his wife--ah, well, you must see her to understand!" Nor was Julian long in understanding something of what was meant by this unfinished sentence; for he and his companions had not been long seated at table, with a good meal before them, when the door opened, and a tall, elegant lady entered the room, leaning on the arm of the Governor, and instantly the whole company rose, whilst a shout went up: "Long live the Governor! Long live Madame his wife! Long live the King!" The lady came in, and motioned to the company to be seated.

She walked up and down amongst them, speaking brave words of thanks and cheer; and halting beside Julian, she made him quite a little special speech, telling him how she had heard that he had been the foremost of all in seeking to save the lives of those who might otherwise have perished in the flames.
No questions were asked of him, for the excitement was still strong, and it was taken for granted that he had come off one of the burning ships.

The men were all talking together, with the volubility of their race, and Julian took just enough share in the conversation to avoid suspicion.
Besides, why should he be suspected?
He looked in every respect a Frenchman.

And had he not risked his life more than once that night to save those left on board the vessels?
The next morning he was able to take an excellent view of the citadel and town.

He was amazed at the strength of the place.