The old butler bowed, took the ring in silence, and withdrew.
Instantly Madame turned to the others.
"We must lose no time; is that what you would say, father?" she asked abruptly.
Père Mouet nodded.
"Not a moment more than necessary, Madame," he replied. "It is quite likely that Count Jéhan may be at the cave before us. We must certainly not delay—for sake of these children."
He murmured the last words in a lower key.
"Make haste and put your cloaks on, mes enfants," Madame de Quernais said. "And the little bags are packed as I ordered? That is good. As we cannot take the servants we must be content with few things."
She stifled a sigh as she spoke, whilst only Père Mouet noted how her hands clenched and unclenched.
"There are many, daughter," he replied gently, "who can never sufficiently thank the good God if they escape with nothing but their lives."
"It is true, father. I will do penance for such rebellion. Nor will I tempt Providence with my complainings. Thank you, Cécile. At any rate I shall be warm. Come, we are all ready now."