"We will do our best," said Lenet, with a smile. "This evening I will give you your instructions."
"You consent, then, to let me take Saint-Georges for you?"
"I must, since you wish it."
"And what about the dukes and the army?"
"I have in my pocket another means of bringing them hither."
Having given the address of Madame de Cambes to the coachman, Lenet smilingly took leave of her and returned to the princess.
II.
On the day following Madame la Princesse's entry into Bordeaux, there was a grand dinner-party at Île Saint-Georges, Canolles having invited the principal officers of the garrison and the other governors of fortresses throughout the province.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, the hour appointed for the beginning of the repast, Canolles found himself surrounded by a dozen or more gentlemen, the majority of whom he then saw for the first time. As they described the great event of the preceding day, making sport of the ladies in Madame la Princesse's retinue, they bore but little resemblance to men about to enter upon what might be an obstinate conflict, and to whom the most momentous interests of the kingdom were intrusted.