And ere we could mount the ramp, one person outran those who came forth to see what the matter was; one outran Madame Claude, outran old Gil, outran the hurrying servants, and the welcome of the house.

I saw a slender figure all in white break away from the little crowd and dart towards us, disclosing as it reached me a face that seemed still whiter than its robes, and yet a face that seemed all eyes--eyes that asked the question the lips could not frame.
I stood aside with a low bow, my hat in my hand; and said simply--it was the great effect of my life--"VOILA Monsieur!" And then I saw the sun rise in a woman's face.
* * * * * The Vidame de Bezers died as he had lived.

He was still Governor of Cahors when Henry the Great attacked it on the night of the 17th of June, 1580.

Taken by surprise and wounded in the first confusion of the assault, he still defended himself and his charge with desperate courage, fighting from street to street, and house to house for five nights and as many days.

While he lived Henry's destiny and the fate of France trembled in the balance.