"I've promised not to tell," said the old man doggedly.
"Father," exclaimed young Tournay, "do you not see how important it is that I should know where they have gone? If you have any affection for mademoiselle you will tell me. Cannot you trust your own son?"
"Will you promise not to prevent their going?" replied the old man.
Tournay thought for a moment. "Yes."
"To La Haye, in the province of Touraine, near the boundary of La Vendée."
"Will they reach there in safety?" inquired Tournay, half to himself.
"You need have no alarm on that score. They have disguised themselves as peasants; no one will be able to recognize them. Look!" he added suddenly, pointing in the direction of the château.
A tongue of flame shot into the night air, then another and another followed in quick succession.
"Is the château on fire?" cried Robert in consternation.
As if in answer the flames burst fiercely forth, and the noble old pile stood revealed to them by the light of the fire that consumed it.