Then turning round to her little dog, who leaped after her, walking on his hind-legs, for he well understood from the looks of his mistress that something unusual was about to take place,—
"Come, Jet," said she, "we are going for a walk."
The little animal began to yelp and jump, and after looking at the municipal attentively, comprehending, no doubt, that from this man originated the intelligence which had made his mistress so happy, ran toward him, and wagging his long and silky tail, ventured even to caress him.
This man, who perhaps might be insensible to the prayers of a queen, could not resist the caresses of a little dog.
"If only on account of this little beast, you should go out more frequently, Citizeness Capet. Humanity commands us to take care of every creature."
"At what hour shall we go out, sir?" asked the queen. "Do you not think the sun would do us good?"
"You may go out when you please," said the municipal; "there has been no restriction on the subject. If you like to go out at mid-day, as that is the time they change the sentinels, there will be less bustle in the court."
"Then let it be at mid-day," said the queen, pressing her hand to her side to still the beating of her heart.
And she looked at this man, who appeared to her less stern than his associates, and who, perhaps, for kindly yielding to the wishes of the prisoner might fall a sacrifice to the conspiracy which they meditated.