And pressing Remy's hand, he flew down the staircase. Diana approached the window trembling, and with a convulsive shudder, like the bird fascinated by the serpent of the Antilles. She saw the duke on horseback, and the light of the torches held by the gendarmes fell on his face.
"Oh! he lives! the demon lives!" murmured she; "and we must live also. He is setting out for France; so be it, Remy, we also must go to France."
CHAPTER LXXV.
HOW AURILLY EXECUTED THE COMMISSION OF THE DUC D'ANJOU.
To the confusion occasioned by the departure of the troops a profound silence succeeded. When Remy believed the house to be empty, he went down to prepare for his departure and that of Diana; but on opening the door of the room below, he was much surprised to see a man sitting by the fire, evidently watching him, although he pretended to look careless. Remy approached, according to his custom, with a slow, halting step, and uncovering his head, bald like that of an old man. He could not, however, see the features of the man by the fire.
"Pardon, monsieur," said he, "I thought myself alone here."
"I also thought so," replied the man, "but I see with pleasure that I shall have companions."
"Oh! very sad companions, monsieur; for except an invalid young man whom I am taking back to France—"