“What do you mean?” he said with trembling voice.
“You must escape.”
“Escape?”
“Nothing so easy. I have considered the whole matter thoroughly. The jailers are in our pay. I have just come to an understanding with Blangin’s wife. One evening, as soon as night falls, they will open the doors to you. A horse will be ready for you outside of town, and relays have been prepared. In four hours you can reach Rochelle. There, one of those pilot-boats which can stand any storm takes you on board, and carries you to England.”
Jacques shook his head.
“That cannot be,” he replied. “I am innocent. I cannot abandon all I hold dear,—you, Dionysia.”
A deep flush covered the young girl’s cheeks. She stammered,—
“I have expressed myself badly. You shall not go alone.”
He raised his hands to heaven, as if in utter despair.
“Great God! Thou grantest me this consolation!”