Henri now understood why de Lescure
had not allowed Denot to be chosen at Saumur, as one of the twelve
leaders of the army; why he had subsequently so generally distrusted
him; and expressed so little surprise of the conduct of which he had
been guilty at Durbelliere.
"His history," said de Lescure, "gives us a singular insight into the
intricacies of a man's character; Adolphe was not naturally a coward,
for madness aggravates the foibles of our nature, and no one can have
shown himself more capable of gallantry than he did yesterday; but he
wanted that sustained courage which is only given by principle, and
trust in God. May He forgive his sins, mercifully remembering his
infirmities!"
Some time after this, preparations were made for the marriage of Henri
and Marie--such preparations as the time and place allowed. There was
now neither inclination nor opportunity for a fete, such as would have
graced the nuptials of Marie de Lescure at a happier time; she now
neither desired, nor could have endured it.
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