would have said that. Ah, yes, Madame, the Abbess is good!' And
Veronique, holding her mistress's cloak to secure a hearing,
detailed the Abbess' plan for lodging her niece in secret
apartments within the thickness of the convent walls, where Mere
Perrine could be with her, and every sacred pledge should be given
that could remove her fears.

'And could they make me believe them, so that the doubt and dread
would not kill me in themselves?' said Eustacie.

'But it is death--certain death, as it is. Oh, if Madame would
hear reason!--but she is headstrong! She will grieve when it is
too late!'

'Listen, Veronique. I have a far better plan. The sacristan has a
sister who weaves red handkerchiefs at Chollet. She will receive
me, and keep me as long as there is need. Martin is to take me in
his cart when he carries the hay to the garrison. I shall be well
hidden, and within reach of your mother. And then, when my son is
once come--then all will be well! The peasants will rise in behalf
of their young Lord, though not for a poor helpless woman. No one
will dare to dispute his claim, when I have appealed to the King;
and then, Veronique, you shall come back to me, and all will be
well!'

Veronique only began to wail aloud at her mistress' obstinacy.
Martin came up, and rudely silenced her, and said afterwards to his
wife, 'Have a care! That girl has--I verily believe--betrayed her
Lady once; and if she do not do so again, from pure pity and
faintness of heart, I shall be much surprised.'