The deputies gave a murmur of approbation.

"Now, gentlemen, permit a man who has traveled twenty-four leagues on
horseback in forty-eight hours to seek a little sleep."

"We humbly take our leave, monseigneur," said Brigard; "what day shall
you fix for our next meeting?"

"As soon as possible, gentlemen; to-morrow, or the day after. Au
revoir."

No sooner had he disappeared than a door opened, and a woman rushed in.

"The duchesse!" they cried.

"Yes, gentlemen; who comes to save you from your embarrassments. What
the Hebrews could not do, Judith did; hope, then, gentlemen, for I also
have my plan;" and she disappeared through the same door as her brother.

"Tudieu!" cried Bussy Leclerc; "I believe that is the man of the
family."

"Oh!" murmured Nicholas Poulain, "I wish I were out of all this."




CHAPTER XXXII.