"A friend," said Maurice. "A friend! Advance, Lorin!"
He to whom this order was addressed, placed himself at the head of his eight men, and quickly approached.
"Is it you, Maurice?" said the corporal. "Ah, libertine! what are you doing in the streets at this hour?"
"You see, I come from the section of Brothers and Friends."
"Yes; to visit that of sisters and friends. We know all about that.
"Ah, listen, ma belle,
When the dusk midnight hour
The church-bell shall toll,
I will haste to thy bower;
To thy side I will steal,
Spite of bolts and of bars,
And my love will reveal
'Neath the light of the stars.
Is it not so, eh?"
"No, friend, you are mistaken. I was on my way home when I discovered this citizen struggling in the hands of these citizen Volunteers, and ran up to inquire why they wished to detain her."
"It is just like you," said Lorin.