'Nay,' said Maitre Gardon, taken by surprise; 'but, Lady, your
vassals are Catholic.'

'What matters it? In my cause they shall fight!' said the feudal
Lady, 'for me and my daughter!'

And as the pastor uttered a sound of interrogative astonishment,
she continued--

'As soon as I am well enough, Blaise will send out messages, and
they will meet me at midnight at the cross-roads, Martin and all,
for dear good Martin is quite well now, and we shall ride across
country, avoiding towns, wherever I choose to lead them. I had
thought of Chantilly, for I know M. de Montmorency would stand my
friend against a Guisard; but now, now I know you, sir, let me
escort you to La Rochelle, and do your cause service worthy of Nid
de Merle and Ribaumont!' And as she sat up on her bed, she held up
her little proud head, and waved her right hand with the grace and
dignity of a queen offering an alliance of her realm.

Maitre Gardon, who had hitherto seen her as a childish though
cheerful and patient sufferer, was greatly amazed, but he could not
regard her project as practicable, or in his conscience approve it;
and after a moment's consideration he answered, 'I am a man of
peace, Lady, and seldom side with armed men, nor would I lightly
make one of those who enroll themselves against the King.'

'Not after all the Queen-mother had done!' cried Eustacie.

'Martyrdom is better than rebellion,' quietly answered the old man,