No sentry would pass him, and there was no way he could get speech with the prisoner.
He was in despair when he saw the Countess approaching, St.Laurent marching ceremoniously ahead, as if to clear the way.
"Mademoiselle," he whispered, plucking her gown.
"What is it ?" asked the girl, naturally sinking her voice to the other's pitch.
"You will see--him ?" "Yes." "A message." "What is it ?" "Give him this." The boy thrust into her hand two or three flowers like those her uncle had picked, the first purple blossoms of the virgin spring.
"And the message ?" "The violets have bloomed," said the boy, and he was gone..