"Oh! These men of war—they always take themselves to be in a conquered country," observed Mademoiselle Plouernel bitterly.
And addressing the bailiff:
"Go and fetch me the sergeant—I wish to speak to him;—instantly!"
The bailiff departed to execute the order. A group of women and children, witnesses of the scene, and as touched as they were surprised by the generosity of Mademoiselle Plouernel—alas! the seigneurs and their families usually showed themselves harsh and contemptful towards the poor—showered blessings upon the young lady; they surrounded her horse; and, in the effusiveness of their gratitude, asked her the favor of allowing them to kiss her hands. Moved to tears by the attitude of the good people, Bertha answered them by pointing to the little girl who had performed the role of the "eglantine bud" at the nuptial ceremonies, and saying:
"Bring yonder little girl to me."
And leaning forward on her saddle and stretching out her arms to receive the child, she added:
"In embracing this child, I am embracing you all, my dear women."
The radiant mother raised her little girl up in her hands. Bertha took her, placed her on her pommel, and tenderly kissed the child's rosy cheeks. Charmed by these caresses, the child threw her arms around the neck of Mademoiselle Plouernel, who responded to the affectionate familiarity by embracing the child again, and again.
Bertha then turned to her equerry:
"Is there any money left in my purse?"