“And to begin, let us go home, as there is no more to say.”
“How long will your preparations take?”
“I do not know, but remember henceforth, until the day of your departure I shall not come to the window. When you see me there, you will know that the day has arrived, and be prepared.”
They returned in silence. On arriving, Oliva begged pardon humbly of her friend for bringing her into so much danger through her folly.
“I am a woman,” replied Jeanne, “and can pardon a woman’s weakness.”
CHAPTER LXXI.
THE FLIGHT.
Oliva kept her promise, and Jeanne also. Oliva hid herself from every one, and Jeanne made her preparations, and in a few days made her appearance at the window as a sign to Oliva to be ready that evening for flight.
Oliva, divided between joy and terror, began immediately to prepare. Jeanne went to arrange about the carriage that was to convey her away. Eleven o’clock at night had just struck when Jeanne arrived with a post-chaise to which three strong horses were harnessed. A man wrapped in a cloak sat on the box, directing the postilions. Jeanne made them stop at the corner of the street, saying, “Remain here—half an hour will suffice—and then I will bring the person whom you are to conduct with all possible speed to Amiens. There you will give her into the care of the farmer who is my tenant; he has his instructions.”
“Yes, madame.”
“I forgot—are you armed? This lady is menaced by a madman; he might, perhaps, try to stop her on the road.”