The seigneurs set the example, by dancing with the peasant girls; and their wives and daughters do not disdain to do the same with tenants, or peasantry.
They attend the marriages, and all holiday festivities, are foremost in giving aid, and in showing kindness in cases of distress or illness; and I feel sure that, if they found in a man like Cathelineau a genius for command, they would follow him as readily as one of their own rank." On the fourteenth the news came that the bands of Stofflet and Foret had, with others, joined that of Cathelineau.

Jean Martin hesitated no longer.
"The war has fairly begun," he said.

"I shall be off tomorrow morning.

If Cathelineau is defeated, we shall have the Republicans devastating the whole country, and massacring women and children; as they did, last August, after a rising for the protection of the priests.

Therefore I shall be fighting, now, in defence of our lives and home, wife." "I would not keep you at home, Jean.