wounds, far more securely and firmly than his
nurse had been able to do; and the next morning, when he awoke, he
declared himself ready to start at once.

It was a week, however, before Philip would hear of his making such
an effort; but by that time, good eating and drinking had done so
much for him that he thought he would be able to stand the fatigue
of the journey, and the next morning they started. Disguised as
peasants, they passed out through the gates unquestioned. Francois
was left in the wood, with the clothes they had purchased for him.
The others then went on and found their bundles undisturbed,
obtained their three horses at Versailles and, riding back, soon
had Francois mounted.

The wound on his head was so far healed that it was no longer
necessary to bandage it, and although he looked pale and weak,
there was nothing about him to attract special notice. They
journeyed by easy stages south, lengthening the distances gradually
as Francois gained strength; and riding fast, towards the end, so
as to reach La Rochelle before an army, under Marshal Biron, sat
down before it.

It was evening when they arrived, and after putting up their horses
they made their way to Monsieur Bertram's. Philip mounted the
stairs, leaving Francois to follow him, slowly.

"I shall not take more than two or three minutes to break the news,
but I must prepare your mother a little, Francois. She has not said
much, but I know she had but little hope, though she bore up so
bravely."

The countess was sitting, with Claire and the merchant's daughter.
It was the first time Philip had seen Mademoiselle de Valecourt,
since they first arrived at La Rochelle. She was dressed now in
deep mourning. A flush of bright colour spread over her face, as
Philip entered.

As in duty bound, he turned first to the countess and saluted her
affectionately; and then turned to Claire, and would have kissed
her hand, but the countess said:

"Tut, tut, Philip, that is not the way to salute your betrothed."

And Philip, drawing her to him, kissed her for the first time since
they had betrothed themselves to each other in the hut in Paris;
and then saluted Mademoiselle Bertram.

"We have been under no uneasiness respecting you, Philip," the
countess said; "for Claire and myself both look upon you as having
a charmed life. Has your mission been successful?"

"It has, aunt, beyond my hopes. And first, I must ask your pardon
for having deceived yo