Fully decided upon this plan, Blanche became calmer on leaving the
chateau; and her hopes overflowed in incoherent phrases, to which poor
Aunt Medea listened with her accustomed resignation.

"At last I shall be rid of this shameless creature!" she exclaimed. "We
will see if he has the audacity to follow her! Will he follow her? Oh,
no; he dare not!"

When the carriage passed through the village of Sairmeuse, Mlle. Blanche
noticed an unwonted animation.

There were lights in every house, the saloons seemed full of drinkers,
and groups of people were standing upon the public square and upon the
doorsteps.

But what did this matter to Mlle. de Courtornieu! It was not until they
were a mile or so from Sairmeuse that she was startled from her revery.

"Listen, Aunt Medea," she said, suddenly. "Do you hear anything?"

The poor dependent listened. Both occupants of the carriage heard shouts
that became more and more distinct with each revolution of the wheels.

"Let us find out the meaning of this," said Mlle. Blanche.

And lowering one of the carriage-windows, she asked the coachman the
cause of the disturbance.

"I see a great crowd of peasants on the hill; they have torches and----"