"Have you been to the house?"

"Yes, monsieur," and his face became grave, "it was madame who told me
where to find you. She said you were about to rejoin the army."

He did not speak of my loss, though it was plain he had heard the news,
and indeed several days passed before the subject was mentioned between
us. Jacques had been brought up in my father's service, and he was
unwilling to talk about the death of his loved master.

"Yes, I am going to join the Admiral," I said; "but have you not had
enough of adventures? Would you not rather stay at Rochelle?"

"While monsieur is wandering about the country?" he asked. "Ah," as a
servant came from the building, "here is a summons for monsieur!"

The commandant had finished his letter, and having received his
instructions I returned to the courtyard, mounted my horse, and,
followed by Jacques, started on my journey. I was very glad of his
company, since it took me out of myself, and gave me less opportunity
for brooding.

"Did Monsieur Bellièvre and the Englishman escape from Montcontour?" he
asked, as we reached the open country.

"Yes, we shall meet them both at Saintes; but about yourself--I was
afraid you were killed."

"So was I," he laughed. "Monsieur, it was a terrible day, and a still