"Oh let us go and help him," she cried.
The farmer hesitated. "Do, do!" cried his wife.
"Well, quick, then!" said the man, and hurrying down, the door was unbarred and opened; but still he held it in his hand ready to close it in an instant, if he saw others following.
"What news? what news?" cried the peasant as the others came near.
"Victory! victory!" shouted one of the men: "Mayenne in full flight and total rout!"
"And the King? and the King?" demanded the farmer.
"Master of the field; and following them like a thunderbolt, to Ivry," was the reply of one of those who rode beside the wounded man; "but help us, here," he added; "he is sadly hurt."
They lifted their master from his horse at the gate, and were bearing him in, while Rose d'Albret, who had come forth with the farmer and his wife, gazed on him with looks of sympathy, when, suddenly, at full speed, but waving joyfully his hat and plume, De Montigni appeared upon the road above, followed by an attendant; and, giving way to all she felt in that moment of exceeding happiness, she ran on to meet him, and in an instant was in his arms.
"Oh, this has been a glorious day, dear Rose," he cried; "and the crown of France is firm upon our monarch's brow. By his own right hand he has won it; and God grant him life to wear it long."
Tears were the only reply that Rose could make; but the good farmer tossed up his hat, and cried "Hurrah!"