They went into ecstasy over his slightest words. Oh, how good he was, how kind! And what a dream the place was, so joyous, so cool! Only he could have discovered such a spot!
Mother Duplay had already commenced unpacking the provisions—slices of sausage, shrimp paste, cold chicken, a melon, watercress, Brie cheese, and buns. She called her daughters to help her, whilst Duplay unharnessed the horse and Lebas conversed with Robespierre, giving him the latest news from Paris. Wooden-legged Simon looked around for a convenient spot to spread the cloth, and the boy Maurice occupied himself in coaxing Blount to stand on his hind legs and beg for sugar.
Suddenly all movement was suspended, and every ear strained to listen, for screams were heard coming from behind the clump of trees in the background.
"It sounds like women's voices," said Cornélie anxiously.
"You were right, they were women's voices," repeated Madame Lebas, who had advanced in the direction whence the sound came.
Robespierre hastened to reassure them.
"It is nothing!" he said calmly, and as every one looked at him questioning, he added indifferently, "They are only arresting two aristocrats!"
"Oh, is that all?" said the two women, reassured.
Duplay and Simon approached nearer the Incorruptible, scenting a story. Robespierre assumed an air of superior mystery. It was a good find.... He had tracked them down....
At this moment Didier appeared.