Patsey had, during the months she had spent on the estate, made herself extremely popular among the peasantry; whose cottages she constantly visited, and who always found her ready to listen to their tales of trouble, and to supply dainty food for the sick.

The thought, too, that the chateau had been burned down was also a blow, for all the tenantry considered that they had a personal interest in the affairs of their seigneur.
"How was it that there was no defence ?" Andre asked.

"I know that most of the men were away, but surely enough might have been gathered to keep the Blues back, until madame escaped to the woods." "It seems they rode by night, and arrived there soon after day broke.

They had evidently come on purpose to seize your lord for, as soon as they found that he was not there, they went away at once, only stopping to set fire to the chateau.

They were evidently in a hurry to be off.
"Here is Philippe Rehan, who has brought the news.