excitement. We were going on an adventure of knight errantry in
which we might win our spurs. We were going to see the world and
play men's parts in it! to save a friend and make our mistress
happy!

We gave our orders. But we said nothing to Catherine or Madame
Claude; merely bidding Gil tell them after our departure. We
arranged for the immediate despatch of a message to the Vicomte
at Bayonne, and charged Gil until he should hear from him to keep
the gates closed, and look well to the shoot of the kitchen
midden. Then, when all was ready, we went to our pallets, but it
was with hearts throbbing with excitement and wakeful eyes.

"Anne! Anne!" said Croisette, rising on his elbow and speaking
to me some three hours later, "what do you think the Vidame meant
this morning when he said that about the ten days?"

"What about the ten days?" I asked peevishly. He had roused me
just when I was at last falling asleep.

"About the world seeing that his was the true faith--in ten
days?"

"I am sure I do not know. For goodness' sake let us go to
sleep," I replied. For I had no patience with Croisette, talking
such nonsense, when we had our own business to think about.



CHAPTER III.