I took up my hat and followed him upstairs.
CHAPTER XI.
FROM the top of the steps by which one reached the door of the chateau usually inhabited by Madame de Franchi and her son, one could look over the square.
This square, so silent the night before, was now full of people, but curiously enough there was not a man to be seen, the crowd was composed of women and children under twelve.
On the lowest step of the church door we could perceive a man girdled with a tri-coloured sash. This was the mayor.
Under the portico, another man clothed in black was seated at a table. This was the notary, and the written paper under his hand was the act of reconciliation.
I took my place beside the table with the sponsors of the Orlandi. On the other sida were the sponsors of the Colona faction. Lucien stood behind the notary so as to show that he acted for both.
In the choir of the church one could perceive the priests ready to solemnize the mass.
The clock struck ten.