CGLY

I1I.

NEeARER and nearer to the devoted village swept the wild current of war ;. for the wide-spreading force of the Republican arms was now driving the gallant Venddéans to the more remote and difficult positions. Margot's village became the headquarters of one of the retreating bodies of Royalists. All was bustle and excitement. "The sezgeces, having escaped death m several desperate encounters, had reached again his own roof, there to cnjoy such a measure of repose as his anxiety would allow him. The general commanding, with his staff,

was, of course,

lodged 1n the chateau. Mar- got was ap-

pointed washer- woman to the whole establish- ment. This provided her with ample em- ployment for both day and night, and put besides a lot of moncey mto her pocket,

One night, as the gl was busily preparing some linen, which was to be delivered at the chiteau on the followig day, she heard a gentle knock at the outer door. She raised the latch unhesi- tatingly, but started back 1n dismay at sight of the figure standing there. Tt was that of a young soldier in the Republican uniform, unarmed, with pale face, and a ghastly wound upon his forchead. One arm was bound with a coarse handker- chicf, and supported by his cravat, which served as a shing. This feet were bare, his clothes torn mn several places, and covered with dust and mire. “ Hide me ! he said, m - a hoarse, hurried whisper. Royalist though Margot was, she could not withstand this appeal. She drew him quickly in, and

fastened the door.

(S

MARGOY:

SHE STARTED BACK IN DISMAY,”

505

La Crosse (for such was the stranger’s name) then told Margot that he had that day, after a skirmish in the neighbourhood, been brought as a prisoner to the village. After a bricf examination by the Royalist otficers, he had been thrust into a wretched hovel. His guards had kept careless watch, and he had contrived to make his escape. While scarching for a hiding-place, he had been attracted by the light in the cottage window, and; sceing through the lattice that there was only a young woman within, he had determmed to throw himself upon her pro- tcction. The poor fcllow en- treated Margot to shelter him. Not 1n vain. She led him softly to her own little chamber, and insisted on his occupying her bed. She warmed some water, with which she bath- ed his wounded forchcad and lacerated feet. She next bound up his con- tused arm, then brought him food and drink, of which he stood 1n sore nced. After that he fell asleep,

and Margot, who had had by this time

sufficient experi- cnee to see that his wounds were not dangerous, ettt him. she spent the remainder of the night on an arm-chair by the kitchen fire, laying plans for her guest’s complete CSCZ\[’)C. V.

Mor~inG dawned, and the wearied-out man stlll slept. Margot, again busy in her kitchen, was fecling strangely happy, although she knew that she had put herself in peril of punishment, should her aiding and abetting be discovered. Dut as she openced the case- ment to admit the delicious morning air, she saw s sight which struck a chill to her heart. Vol 1v.— 63

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