Hitherto there had been no opportunity to speak of my cousin's death, but now I informed my companions of what had happened. Both were deeply grieved at the news, Madame Coutance especially showing more feeling than I should have expected.
"Did he die of his wound?" she asked.
"In a measure; but chiefly from the hardships endured through hiding from Condé."
"The prince would have forgiven him!"
"On conditions; and Henri would have refused them. My cousin was not the best of men, but he was loyal to his friends."
"You are right," exclaimed Madame Coutance warmly; "in many ways Henri de Lalande was a gallant gentleman. And now, what are you going to do?"
"As soon as you reach Aunay I shall join the King's friends."
"Ah!" she exclaimed with a smile, "I know you are against the prince, but I wish you success for yourself, and if you fall, well, the battlefield is a fit resting-place for a gentleman of France."
"I shall pray for you, Albert," whispered Marie, "that you may come safely through every danger. I hate all this fighting and bloodshed, and wish the country could be at peace."
"It will be soon," I answered, and then for a while we journeyed in silence.