The soldiers are drinking themselves out of their wits.

They will be keeping a slack watch presently." He looked at her for a moment, fathoming the purport of what she said.
"But," he demanded at last, "why did not the Marquise obey my summons, and accompany you ?" "She was afraid to leave the coach, Monsieur.

Moreover, she agreed with me that it would not be necessary." "Not necessary ?" he echoed.

"But it is necessary.

When last you were here I told you I did not intend you should return to the coach.