These doors
were now violently thrown open, and one of the officers, followed by
about a dozen men, rushed into the room.
"The road is crowded with men," said the officer; "thousands of these
brigands are on us. The chateau will be surrounded in five minutes."
"H--and the d--," said Santerre between his teeth. "This comes of
playing the fool here," and he hurried out of the room in company with
the officer.
"Hurrah!" said the Chevalier, jumping to his feet. "I knew they'd be
here soon--I knew they'd be here soon," and running to Agatha's side he
caught hold of her hand, and covered it with kisses.
Denot also arose. He had also heard the officer say that the peasants
were coming on them, and he felt that if he were taken, he could expect
no mercy from those who had so lately been his friends. He did not,
however, attempt to fly, but he stood still on the spot where he got up,
and after wiping his hot brow with his handkerchief, he said slowly and
mournfully--"Agatha Larochejaquelin, you now see to what your conduct
has reduced me; and with my last breath I tell you that I owe my
disgrace, my misery, and my death--ay, and the loss of my eternal soul,
to you, and to you only.
Pages:
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543