“The village is called Dairon. We are about four leagues from Thouars, where the Blues are in force. We must get past them somehow to Coulonges, a league beyond, where we shall find friends.”
“And we must wait until to-night to go forward?”
“Till twilight, at least.”
“We should get to Coulonges to-night, then?”
“Yes,” I answered with a sinking heart at the thought that my dream was to end so soon. “If all goes well we should reach Coulonges by midnight.”
“You actually say that in a tone of despondency!”
“And do you see in it nothing to regret, mademoiselle?”
“To regret? Assuredly not! Shall you regret being in safety?”
“Danger is not the worst thing that can befall a man,” I said, “more especially——”
“Well?” she questioned tantalizingly as I hesitated.