As soon as Madame Coutance heard of my intention she urged me to stay longer, but the look of relief in her eyes showed she was really pleased at my resolve. The country wearied her; she was eager to return to the old life, and after my departure there would be no necessity for her to remain at Aunay.
"We must make the most of Albert to-day, ma chère," she exclaimed brightly. "The house will be positively gloomy without him."
"When do you start?" asked Marie.
"To-morrow at day-break. I am strong enough now to use a sword, and the Queen-Mother has not too many friends around her."
Marie sighed. "I am tired of a contest in which selfishness plays so large a part," she remarked.
"Yet it is distinctly droll," observed her aunt. "For example, here is Albert, anxious to serve the Queen, while his cousin does his best for De Retz. On the other hand I wish to help the prince, while our friend Raoul takes orders from the King's uncle. Oh, it is a charming play!"
"Meanwhile the people die of starvation!" said Marie.
"That is unfortunate, certainly. But what would you? There must always be some to suffer."
"It is the people now; it will be the turn of the nobles later. The peasants won't always stand being ground down and starved," I said.
"Chut! my dear Albert, you talk like a carter. What have the people to do with us beyond cultivating our land? You should join De Retz, who intends doing so much for the canaille in the future."