"Yes; what then?"
"The next day an attempt was made, but Marseille would not rise at all. The people would take no part in the affair, which failed utterly."
"And Madame?"
"It is not known where she is; but they hope she re-embarked on the 'Carlo Alberto.'"
"Cowards!" muttered Bertha. "I am nothing but a woman; but oh! I swear to God that if Madame comes into La Vendée I will set an example to some men. Good-bye, doctor, and thank you."
"Must you go?"
"Yes; it is important that my father should know this news. He is at a meeting to-night at the château de Montaigu. I must get back to Souday. I commit my poor patient to you. Leave exact directions, and I or my sister, unless something unforeseen prevents, will be here to-morrow and watch at night."
"Will you take my carriage? I can get back on foot, and you can return it by Jean Oullier, or any one, to-morrow."
"Thank you, no; I don't know where Jean Oullier may be to-morrow. Besides, I prefer walking; the air will do me good."
Bertha held out her hand to the doctor, pressed his with almost masculine strength, threw her mantle over her shoulders, and left the cottage. At the door she found Michel, who, although he could not hear the conversation, had kept his eye on the young girl, and, seeing that she was about to depart, got to the door before her.