I do not know who it can be." There was alarm on her face, which La Boulaye now set himself to allay.
"At least you are well protected, Citoyenne.

My men are close at hand, and we can summon them if there be the need." Reassured she rose, and at the same moment a knock sounded on the door.
She went to open it, and from his seat by the hearth La Boulaye heard a gentle, mincing voice that was oddly familiar to him.
"Madame," it said, "we are two poor, lost wayfarers, and we crave shelter for the night.

We will pay you handsomely." "I am desolated that I have no room, Messieur," she answered, with courteous firmness.
"Pardi!" interpolated another voice.

"We need no room.

A bundle of straw and a corner is all we seek.