And when the youth hastened to inform him that he would have the advantage of Roland’s care and company M. de Kersaint smiled and said, “Very well. But, Roland, remember that your real destination is not La Vergne, but Kerlidec. My honour is engaged, as you know, in sending you back to your grandfather. Good-bye, Lucien; you will now have leisure to proceed with your study of the Mantuan.”
The Abbé had already given them his blessing; the Comte had gone to the place appointed to await Cadoudal. Even Le Blé-aux-Champs had been carried downstairs. So when the Marquis had shaken hands with them there was nothing for the three young men to do but to go. And they went.
But they had not got beyond the next turn on the dusky staircase before they heard M. de Kersaint’s voice on the landing above them.
“Roland,” it called down, “come back a moment, will you? I have a message for M. de Carné.”
Wondering, the young Vicomte went up again, nearly to the top, where the tall figure was standing.
“I only wish you to point out to him,” said the Marquis, “that I am fulfilling my promise. That is all.”
Then he added, in a different tone, “May God keep you, my boy!” and stooping, kissed him on the forehead.
CHAPTER V
TU MARCELLUS ERIS
“And so, exeunt ‘les jeunes,’ ” said the Marquis de Kersaint, coming back into the attic and shutting the door after him.