“If no time is lost, monsieur. They will first try the front door, and it is possible that they may believe that we have already departed.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “Not while Madame Zotof is of the party,” I said.
Zénaïde had already gone to hasten mademoiselle’s decision, and I followed. At the first note of danger Najine’s spirit awoke, and she was as quick to act as we could desire. I saw by M. de Lambert’s face that he had overcome her scruples to a hasty marriage, and I felt that we could now proceed without further delays. In a few moments both women were cloaked and hooded for the street, and preceded by Pierrot we crept down the stairs to the door at the rear. We were half-way down when we were startled by a loud knock at the front.
“They have come!” exclaimed mademoiselle beneath her breath, pausing to listen.
“The more reason for haste,” I said, taking her hand and leading her forward. Then I called to Pierrot, “Is there any one at this entrance?”
He was listening at the door, and in a moment opened it and looked out. “Safe as yet, monsieur,” he said.
We hurried down and out, for there was now quite an uproar at the front door. We stood a moment listening, Najine’s hand in mine.
“We must run for it!” I exclaimed. And we all ran down the lane like a party of children, and reached the carriage without hindrance. As soon as we were seated within it, the horses started at a round pace, and I laughed as I thought of Madame Zotof beating upon my door for admittance.
“Have a care, monsieur,” Zénaïde said warningly; “do not laugh too soon.”
“You think my mirth premature?” I replied thoughtfully; “it may be so, but I saw so plainly Madame Zotof before that door. I beg your pardon, mademoiselle, but your aunt’s energy is amusing.”