He then told me what plans he had been devising for this purpose, and that if my uncle were equal to it on the morrow, I should set him and my aunt on their way to a certain point, which, if they reached in safety, they would then be cared for.
"The greatest difficulty," said he, "is about a passport; but that may possibly be procured on the frontier, for the great object of government seems to be to chase all our godly ministers out of the kingdom, that their flocks, deprived of their strengthening exhortations, may fall an easier prey."
While he thus spoke, a noise at the door, as if some one were hammering on it with his fist, made us start.
"Who's there?" said my father, without withdrawing the bolt.
"Your neighbor Romilly," returned the other; and we, knowing his voice, let him in.
"Neighbor, I have traveled far and fast," said he, "and would not go home without looking in to tell you the bad news. They are carrying things hardly at Arles and Uséz, and you had better warn M. Chambrun he is in danger."
My father changed countenance.
"He and his wife are with us at this moment," said he.
"They must depart, then," said Romilly, "and without loss of time, or she will not be allowed to go with him. See, here is a passport," said he, dubiously smiling, "which will do for him as well as the person for whom it was intended. He shall have it."
We thanked him warmly, and after a little more eager talk, he hurried homeward. Day was now breaking, and I threw myself on my bed for a short sleep. When I awoke, my dear mother was beside me.