opportunity to frighten him.

For, that they were not thinking of vengeance, is conclusively proved by
the sequel.

Hence great was their disappointment when, on opening the carriage-door,
they saw within the vehicle only Mlle. Blanche and Aunt Medea, who
uttered the most piercing shrieks.

But Mlle. de Courtornieu was a brave woman.

"Who are you?" she demanded, haughtily, "and what do you desire?"

"You will know to-morrow," replied Chanlouineau. "Until then, you are
our prisoner."

"I see that you do not know who I am, boy."

"Excuse me. I do know who you are, and, for this very reason, I request
you to descend from your carriage. She must leave the carriage, must she
not, Monsieur d'Escorval?"

"Very well! I declare that I will not leave my carriage; tear me from it
if you dare!"

They would certainly have dared had it not been for Marie-Anne, who
checked some peasants as they were springing toward the carriage.

"Let Mademoiselle de Courtornieu pass without hinderance," said she.