"Pillot," I exclaimed, "I must leave you to attend to your master's burial. The Abbé will not refuse his last request. I would stay, but it is necessary for me to attend the ladies in the Rue Crillon. If the mob rises there may be danger."
"You are right, monsieur! Paris is no place for them at present. Take them out of it as quickly as possible. As to your cousin, I will see that he has proper burial; I will go to De Retz at once."
"What will you do afterwards? You will not care to serve the Abbé again?"
"Ah, no! I would wring his neck with pleasure, monsieur!"
"I do not wish that. Come, let me make you an offer. I am not rich like my cousin, but if you will take service with me, I will arrange that you are properly paid."
"After all that has passed? Monsieur is exceedingly trustful."
"Because I am aware how loyal you have been to M. de Lalande."
"Very well, monsieur; let it be so. You will find that I shall serve you faithfully."
"I am sure of that. Now listen. As soon as my cousin is buried, start for Aunay—you know the road. If you do not find me there I shall have gone to join the Cardinal and you can follow. Here is some money; you will need it before we meet again."
As soon as these matters were arranged we went out, and Pillot carefully secured the door. The morning had broken cold and gray, a drizzling rain fell, the streets were deserted; the night-owls, wearied by their exertions, had returned to their roosts.