When we were expressing our astonishment at this, he interrupted us by saying, with considerable excitement—
"All that I foresaw has come to pass. Our position is as serious as it can well be—but I can save you. Do not question me, do not ask me for any information, for I have no time to answer you. Give me full power, and I will turn this idiotic love of Munza's to our own advantage. Before three days have passed away you shall leave this country. You shall march towards the south, and, for the last part of the journey, you shall have at your disposal resources of which you never dreamt."
What did he mean? How are we to leave this country? What idea has come to him thus suddenly?
Whilst Delange and I looked at him with amazement, Madame de Guéran, ever prompt and resolute in the hour of danger, held out her hand to de Morin, and said to him—
"Do what you will. As far as I am concerned, I approve of it beforehand, and, if you fail, no reproach of any kind shall ever pass my lips."
"Thanks," said de Morin, "a thousand thanks."
Then, turning towards us, he asked us whether we ratified the approval already expressed by Madame de Guéran.
"Can you doubt it?" said I.
"You have an idea," said Delange in his turn, "and we have none. Consequently, we cannot prefer our opinion to yours, and I give you carte blanche, my dear fellow."
"To the palace!" exclaimed de Morin.