De Courval was startled. "A cousin of my mother—the vicomte—a Jacobin!"
"Is monsieur for our side?" asked the officer.
"No; I am for the king."
"King, monsieur! The king was guillotined on January 21."
"Mon Dieu!"
"May I ask your name, monsieur?"
"I am the Vicomte de Courval, at your service."
"By St. Denis! I know; you are of Normandy, of the religion, like ourselves. I am the Comte de Lourmel."
"And with the Jacobins?"
"Yes. I have an eminent affection for my head. When I can, my brother and I will get away."