"Geneviève," said Maurice, "God will protect us. Listen to me! A good action which I endeavored to perform, on that very 2d of September which you have just named, is now about to receive its reward. I wished to save a poor priest who had studied with me. I went to Danton, and at his request the Committee of Public Safety signed a passport for the unfortunate man and his sister. This passport Danton forwarded to me; but the unfortunate priest, instead of coming to my house for it, as I had advised him to do, went and shut himself up with the Carmelites, from whom he was taken and killed."
"And the passport?" asked Geneviève.
"I have it now. It is worth a million. It is worth more than that, Geneviève,—it comprises both life and happiness!"
"Oh, God be praised!" cried the young woman.
"Now, my property, as you are aware, consists of an estate managed by an old servant of the family, a stanch patriot, and strictly loyal, in whom we may confide. He will send remittances whenever I wish. On arriving at Boulogne, we will go to his house."
"Where does he reside then?"
"At Abbeville."
"When shall we go, Maurice?"
"Within an hour."
"No one need know of our departure."