That moment the door was abruptly thrown open by an officer, the major-adjutant of the Count's regiment, who, rushing in, hastily made the military salute and said hurriedly:
"I beg your pardon, colonel, for coming in without being announced, but orders have just been issued to have the regiment mount horse forthwith, and remain ready for action on the square of the quarter."
The linendraper was about to leave the salon when the Count of Plouernel said to him:
"Well, monsieur, to judge by the course things are taking, together with your republican opinions, it is quite possible that I may have the honor of meeting you to-morrow on a barricade."
"I know not what may happen, monsieur," answered the linendraper; "but I neither fear nor desire such an encounter."
And then, with a smile, he added:
"I think, monsieur, that the order for linen may be canceled."
"I think so, too, monsieur," replied the colonel, bowing stiffly to Lebrenn, who left the salon.
CHAPTER VII.
"THE SWORD OF BRENNUS."
While Marik Lebrenn was holding the conversation, just reported, with the Count of Plouernel, the merchant's wife and daughter were, as was their custom, busy in the shop, over which hung the sign—The Sword of Brennus.