"Then it is battle!" cried Petit-Pierre. "Well, water yesterday, fire to-day; for my part, I prefer the latter."
And she tried to hurry Michel in the direction where the fight would take place.
"No, no, no!" said Michel, resisting; "I entreat you not to go there."
"Don't you wish to win your spurs under the eyes of your lady, baron? She is there, you know."
"I think she is," said the young man, sadly. "But troops are scattered over the country in every direction; at the first shots they will all converge toward the firing. We may fall in with one of their detachments, and if, unfortunately, the mission with which I am charged should end disastrously I shall never dare to appear again before the marquis--"
"Say before his daughter."
"Well, yes,--before his daughter."
"Then, in order not to bring trouble into your love affairs I consent to obey you."
"Oh, thank you! thank you!" cried Michel, seizing Petit-Pierre's hand vehemently. Then perceiving the impropriety of his action, he exclaimed, stepping backward, "Oh, pardon me; pray, pardon me!"
"Never mind," said Petit-Pierre; "don't think of it. Where did the Marquis de Souday intend to shelter me?"