The young girl did not heed her, nor did the cobbler.
“Mademoiselle,� he said, “your grandmother is dead, and M. d’Aguesseau was never captured.�
Rosaline stood looking at him with parted lips, her whole form quivering with emotion.
“Mon Dieu!� she said, “was it a lie?�
“It was,� replied the cobbler quietly; “I have sent a message to him, he is with Cavalier.�
She could not believe him. “Alas!� she said, “you do this to get me away.�
The cobbler knelt down at her feet.
“Mademoiselle,� he said, looking earnestly into her face, “I swear by all I hold most sacred, that I do not deceive you. M. d’Aguesseau is at liberty, though M. de Baudri offers a hundred crowns for his head.�
Her strength failed her, she sank on the nearest chair, covering her face with her hands. The reaction was too great for resistance; it seemed as if her heart would stop beating, and the room whirled about her. He was safe, and she was not required to make the sacrifice!
The effect on Babet was very different; she released Truffe and began to gather up their scattered belongings.