It was a great plunge, and a dangerous which we meditated.
And we trembled.

If we had known more--especially of the future--we should have trembled more.
But we were young, and with our fears mingled a delicious excitement.
We were going on an adventure of knight errantry in which we might win our spurs.

We were going to see the world and play men's parts in it! to save a friend and make our mistress happy! We gave our orders.

But we said nothing to Catherine or Madame Claude; merely bidding Gil tell them after our departure.

We arranged for the immediate despatch of a message to the Vicomte at Bayonne, and charged Gil until he should hear from him to keep the gates closed, and look well to the shoot of the kitchen midden.