This was one of the troubled epochs in history that try men's souls.
There is no chance for hypocrisy; each man stands revealed in his
grandeur, or in his pettiness of soul.
Certainly much cowardice was displayed during the early days of the
second Restoration; but many deeds of sublime courage and devotion were
performed.
These officers who befriended Mme. d'Escorval and Maurice--who lent
their aid to the abbe--knew the baron only by name and reputation.
It was sufficient for them to know that he was the friend of their
former ruler--the man whom they had made their idol, and they rejoiced
with all their hearts when they saw M. d'Escorval reposing under Father
Poignot's roof in comparative security.
After this, their task, which consisted in misleading the government
emissaries, seemed to them mere child's play.
But all these precautions were unnecessary. Public sentiment had
declared itself in an unmistakable manner, and it was evident that
Lacheneur's hopes had not been without some foundation.
The police discovered nothing, not so much as a single detail of the
escape.
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