I told you then what I thought of your soldiering, and your fine
ladies. I told you then what it would come to, and I told you true. I
don't throw this in your teeth to blame you, M. Chapeau, for you have
only served those you were bound to serve; but surely they who first put
guns and swords into the hands of the poor people, and bade them go out
for soldiers, will have much to answer for. All this blood will be upon
their heads."
"You don't mean to blame M. Henri and M. de Lescure, and the good
Cathelineau, for all that they've done?" said Chapeau, awe-struck at the
language used by his companion.
"It's not for me to blame them; but look at that girl there, and then
tell me, mustn't there be some great blame somewhere?"
Chapeau did look at the girl, and all the tenderness of his heart rose
into his eyes, as the flickering light of the fire showed him her
tattered and draggled dress.
"Thank God! the worst of it is over now, Michael. You're safe now, at
any rate, from those blood-hounds; and when we reach Laval, we shall all
have plenty.
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