Gaspard and his wife endeavoured to cheer and encourage each other; but at times their hearts ached, and their spirits sank at the prospect before them.
It was now the month of October, and for the first time for many many months Gaspard was able to go in the little tilted cart to the neighbouring town for some things of which his family stood in need. Michael and John accompanied their father, the little Francis remaining alone with Katherine, who devoted the day to washing and repairing such things as she had not had leisure to attend to during her husband's illness. On opening a press to take out some articles of linen which had lain by some time, Francis' little cap caught her eye; it had become somewhat discoloured by, lying by, though the star retained its lustre. She took it out and placed it apart on the table, with the intention of getting rid first of such articles as would require more time and care.
Whilst thus busily occupied, Katherine was startled by a loud clap of thunder, which was quickly followed by another, and then the rain came down in torrents, accompanied by vivid flashes of lightning.
Poor Katherine trembled for her husband and children, and was anxiously watching for any sign of the storm abating, when the door of the cottage was hastily opened, and a lady richly dressed entered. Katherine perceived at once that it was the wife of the dreaded steward.
"Will you give me shelter till the storm is over?" she asked.
"Willingly, madam," replied Katherine; "I wish I had been better prepared to receive you." She then hastened to offer her best chair to her visitor, and carefully wiped the wet from her dress and mantle.
The little Francis soon attracted the lady's attention.
"Is that beautiful child yours?" she inquired; "he is not a bit like you. But what have you there?" she added, addressing the boy, who was playing with the little cap, his attention having been caught by the star. Katherine desired the child to go and show it to the lady.
"The lace is beautiful," she observed; "where did you get it, and what this silver star mean?"
Katherine was by no means pleased at being thus rudely questioned, nor was she inclined to satisfy her visitor's curiosity. She therefore replied shortly that it had come into her husband's possession during the siege of Metz, and that he had given it to her.