I had time to disperse the workmen, dispatch a hasty line to an English
correspondent, and secrete certain bills of exchange; so that if we can
but find our way to England we shall, indeed, have to begin life again,
but with God's blessing, shall not fare badly. And with that blessing,
my son, we shall not fare badly even here."

"No, indeed, father." And as I spoke I looked towards where the
lamp-light (for we had no other) fell on the bending head of Madeleine,
as she talked in a low voice to the children, and kept them amused.
Not a glimpse of the sun's light could penetrate our refuge, and thus
it always seemed night with us when, in fact, it was bright day.
Doubtless this was tedious to all; but no one, even the children, so
much as murmured at it, except Gabrielle, who was inexpressibly wearied,
and now and then gave a long yawn, which set others yawning, and
procured her a good-humored rebuke.

"How long is this to last?" said she.

"Till the dragoons find us out, perhaps," said my father, gravely; which
silenced her for a little while.

"Our provisions will not last long," said she presently.

"Then we must procure more," said my mother. "We have enough for the
present."

"Yes, we have cheese and wine and flour; but what good is flour unless
it is cooked?"

"Do not make mountains of molehills, Gabrielle," said Madeleine, aside;