d'Angely. "But here we are at the house; does my aunt still keep her
room?"

"Yes," replied Jeanne with a smile, "though I believe her illness is
more fanciful than real. But she is very good and kind, and we humour
her fancies."

It was very pleasant to be home again; to see the loving looks and to
receive the tender caresses of my mother and sister. They were eager to
hear what had happened, and the tears came to their eyes as I described
the sufferings of my gallant comrades. They were brave, too, and instead
of being crushed by our defeat looked forward to happier times.

"Perhaps the king will stop the cruel war," said my mother hopefully,
"and let us worship God in peace. How can he think we wish to harm our
beautiful France? We ask so little; surely he could grant us our modest
request.

"I believe he would if it were not for his mother," I said, "and she is
afraid of the Guises. They are hand in glove with the Pope and the
Spaniards."

"Will Monseigneur try to capture Rochelle?" asked Jeanne.

"It is very likely, but he will not succeed; Rochelle can never be taken
by an enemy."

I stayed very late with them that night, for there were many things to
talk about, and they were so glad to see me that even at the end I was
loth to depart.