“This is a most unfortunate affair, Jean,” said Madame Coulancourt, as the intendant entered the saloon, looking serious and perplexed.
“It is unfortunate, madame,” replied Monsieur Plessis, “so far as it may draw on us the attention of Monsieur Gramont, who is expected home to-day, to the château; but it is fortunate that Lieutenant Thornton has escaped.”
“But,” said Mabel, eagerly, “suppose he attempts to land again; his life would be endangered.”
“He will not attempt to do that, depend upon it, mademoiselle, after the escape he had; but I think it not at all unlikely that this night the crew of the corvette will attempt to sink or burn the Vengeance and the brig in Palos Pool. They cannot cut the former out; for I understand she can be fastened by an immense chain to a huge anchor, if they think any danger is to be apprehended.”
“Will any suspicion be attached to us, do you think, Jean?”
“It is very possible Monsieur Gramont may pay us a visit, madame,” answered the intendant, thoughtfully; “therefore I really think if Monsieur Julian was to go to Dulong, where he could remain, or cross over to the village on the other side, and wait till we came up the river, it would be better.”
“I can easily do that in my assumed name of Louis Lebeau,” returned Julian; “but is there any need of my separating from those I would fain stay to protect?”
“My dear boy,” said the anxious mother, “having once more pressed you to my heart, let me not have the agony of again losing you. You could not render us the slightest service. When this passport has arrived from Monsieur Barras, we may consider ourselves safe from this Monsieur Gramont, whose design is, I am sure, to possess himself of Coulancourt by exciting suspicion against me.”
“If I had an opportunity, and I found him plotting against your happiness, or seeking to betray you into the hands of the Government, I would put a pistol to his head,” exclaimed Julian, with impetuosity.
“Do not be rash, dear Julian,” said Mabel, putting her arm round her brother’s neck; “far better leave us to the care of good Monsieur Plessis, who has hitherto protected us with such marvellous devotedness and courage. Suppose suspicion is excited, and they send to search the château, what a terrible blow it would be to us all to see you arrested, carried off, and imprisoned. You must spare us that sorrow, dear Julian.”