"Bear in mind, madame," interposed La Rochefoucauld, "that you already have ten or twelve hundred men engaged."
"I will take Saint-Georges with a single company," said Claire; "give me Navailles, and I will answer for the result."
"'Tis worth considering," said the princess, while Monsieur de La Rochefoucauld, with his most contemptuous smile, gazed pityingly at these women who presumed to discuss military questions which embarrassed the boldest and most enterprising men.
"I will listen to you now, madame," said Lenet. "Come this way."
He led Claire to a window recess, where she whispered her secret in his ear.
Lenet emitted a joyful exclamation.
"Indeed, madame," said he, turning to the princess, "if you will give Madame de Cambes carte blanche, Saint-Georges is ours."
"When?" the princess demanded.
"When you please."
"Madame is a great captain!" sneered La Rochefoucauld.