Soon after this Raynal ordered his charger.
The baroness began to cry. “The young people may hope to see you again,” said she; “but there are two chances against your poor old mother.”
“Courage, mother!” cried the stout soldier. “No, no; you won’t play me such a trick: once is enough for that game.”
“Brother!” cried Rose, “do not go without kissing your little sister, who loves you and thanks you.” He kissed her. “Bravo, generous soul!” she cried, with her arms round his neck. “God protect you, and send you back safe to us!”
“Amen!” cried all present by one impulse, even the cold notary.
Raynal’s mustache quivered. He kissed Josephine hastily on the brow, the baroness on both cheeks; shook the men’s hands warmly but hastily, and strode out without looking behind him. He was moved for once.
They all followed him to the door of the house. He was tightening his horse’s girths. He flung himself with all the resolution of his steel nature into the saddle, and, with one grand wave of his cocked hat to the tearful group, he spurred away for Egypt.
CHAPTER IX.
The baroness took the doctor a-shopping; she must buy Rose a gray silk. In doing this she saw many other tempting things. I say no more.