But now the hymn ended, and the two went to the door. This was my chance, and so, with mademoiselle on my arm, I boldly stepped up and joined them. They turned on us as we came; but I allayed their fears.
"Messieurs, we have come as you have. See! There is a lady with me."
"Then you are well come," answered one, and with that he tapped softly at the door. A shutter opened, and a voice asked:
"Why come ye?"
"For the faith," was the reply.
"Enter, then!" With these words the door swung back, and one by one we passed in, I being the last. The door was immediately closed and barred after us, and we found ourselves in the presence of a small, pale-faced man, who peered at us with blinking eyes. The two strangers went on at once, after a word of greeting; but, throwing back her hood, mademoiselle placed her hand on the arm of the little man, saying:
"Ferrières, do you not know me?"
His dim eyes searched her through the dim light, and an exclamation broke from him.
"Mademoiselle! You! There will be many a glad face to-night. Almost all of us are here."
"Hush!" she said. "I have come to warn you. There is danger at hand.
The edicts are to be enforced again, and at once."