In his surprise at St. Hilaire's sudden appearance, the man loosened his grasp upon Madame d'Arlincourt's shoulder. With a cry she flew instantly to St. Hilaire's side for protection.
"Defend me, sir, oh, save me from them!" she cried, catching hold of his arm.
"I will not let them harm a hair of your head," he whispered in reply; "calm yourself, my dear madame."
The quiet way in which he spoke seemed to bring back some part of her self-control. She ceased crying and stood by his side like a statue, although he could feel by the pressure on his arm that she still trembled.
"Well, citizen, what would you with this citizeness?" repeated St. Hilaire in a loud voice, as the other men came up behind their comrade.
"Her actions are suspicious; she may be an aristocrat. We want to bring her to the Section for examination," answered one of them.
"Let her come to the Section," echoed another.
The fellow who had first laid hands upon the countess now recovered speech. "If she's an aristocrat here's at her; I've killed many an aristocrat in my day." As he spoke he drew himself together and raising his musket leveled it at the woman's head.
The countess tightened her grasp on St. Hilaire's arm with both her hands, rendering him powerless for the moment.
St. Hilaire pushed her gently behind him, and looking straight into his opponent's face, said firmly:—