CHAPTER IX.
THE PEASANTS' DEFEAT.
Mademoiselle Plouernel entered the apartment walking slowly. She looked fresher, more beautiful than ever. She was dressed in white. The old equerry bowed respectfully and said to her, who upon seeing him, uttered a cry of surprise:
"I did not hurry to present myself before mademoiselle because the tidings that I bring are of the saddest."
"Leave us alone, Marion," said Mademoiselle Plouernel to her nurse. "I must see Du Buisson privately for a moment."
Marion left the room, and Bertha kindly addressed the equerry:
"I am all the sorrier for the trouble I have put you to, Du Buisson, seeing that it was to prove fruitless;" and seating herself, the young girl added: "Do not remain standing; you must feel tired after your long journey."
Out of deference for his mistress the old man hesitated to obey. Bertha repeated:
"Take a seat; I want it."
Du Buisson sat down. Bertha proceeded: