"It is an affair of little importance," I said.

"Does it carry you away from Rochelle?"

"A short distance; but I must attend to my horse; our patron is in a
hurry," and expecting that we should meet later I hurried away.

Having saddled my horse and put my pistols in order I paid a hasty visit
home, though fully expecting to be back in the city within a few days.
My father, however, thought my absence would be for a longer period.

"The truth is, Edmond," he said, "that the campaign has opened. Some of
the troops have already started, and Coligny himself leaves the city
before night. So, should you be charged with a message for him, you are
not likely to return to Rochelle."

"And you?" I asked.

"I am waiting for orders, I may march with the troops, or remain here;
it depends on our leaders."

My father's information put a greyer colour on the farewell; Jeanne and
my mother embraced me very tenderly, and neither could altogether keep
back the tell-tale tears. Still, they were very brave, and when at last
I rode off, they stood at the window waving their handkerchiefs and
smiling, though I suspect the smiles quickly faded after I disappeared
from sight.

I found the hotel in a state of commotion, and Felix, who met me in the