"
"Well?"
"It requires four days to make the journey to Paris."
He reflected a moment, then added:
"But, after all, to let her go would be an act of mercy. Did not Ney, on
the morning of his execution, implore the King to order the removal of
his wife who was sobbing and moaning in his cell?"
The abbe shook his head.
"No," said he; "Madame d'Escorval will never forgive us if we prevent
her from receiving her husband's last farewell."
She, at that very moment, re-entered the room, and the priest was trying
to gather courage to tell her the cruel truth, when someone knocked
violently at the door.
One of the officers went to open it, and Bavois, the corporal of
grenadiers, entered, his right hand lifted to his cap, as if he were in
the presence of his superior officer.
"Is Mademoiselle Lacheneur here?" he demanded.
Marie-Anne came forward.
"I am she, Monsieur," she replied; "what do you desire of me?"
"I am ordered, Mademoiselle, to conduct you to the citadel."
"Ah!" exclaimed Maurice, in a ferocious tone; "so they imprison women
also!"
The worthy corporal struck himself a heavy blow upon the forehead.
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