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.
But this permission might produce such serious consequences that
Chanlouineau found courage to resist.
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