Jeanne laughed and blushed, calling him a flatterer, but she was very happy, and her eyes were sparkling with pleasure.
As our visit drew to a close, she contrived to whisper: "I have heard from your English friend. A messenger from La Rochelle brought me a letter yesterday. He is coming to see you shortly; he may be in France already."
"Oh," I replied, "unless he comes quickly he may have to travel as far as Flanders; that is," I added, slily "if he really wishes to see me."
"Of course he does," she answered gaily, "and to visit Paris; he has set his heart on seeing our capital."
Although very fond of Roger Braund, I felt, somehow, rather sorry to hear Jeanne's news, and, as we left the house, my comrade rallied me on my thoughtfulness.
"Come," said he briskly, "we must hurry; the Admiral does not like our being abroad so late," at which, remembering how persistently he had refused to leave earlier, I laughed heartily.
The streets were for the most part deserted; but in spite of the late hour it was not dark.
"Listen!" exclaimed Felix suddenly, "there is some one following us; he is coming at a quick pace, as if trying to overtake us. Perhaps it is your quixotic adventurer friend, with a further warning."
"No," I replied, "L'Estang is not so heavy; he is more cat-footed. 'Tis some belated wayfarer like ourselves, in a hurry to reach his lodgings."
The man caught us up, gave a surly growl in response to our "Good-night," and passed on rapidly.