"As to that, monsieur," said Ratoneau, glaring at him with savage fury, "I believe you have played me false and arranged the whole affair. Your scamp of a son has escaped the prison he richly deserved, and you have plotted to marry him to your cousin's daughter. I always thought you as clever as the devil, monsieur. But look here--and you too, madame, listen to me. I will ruin the whole set of you--and as to that boy of yours, let him beware how he meets me. I swear I will be his death." Urbain shrugged his shoulders and turned from him to Adélaïde, who was beckoning feebly and could hardly find voice to speak. "I am very stupid, I suppose," she said. "I cannot understand clearly. My husband has forced on Hélène's marriage with some one. Who is it, Urbain? Did the Curé tell you? Do not be afraid to tell me--I can bear it--you were always my friend." There was something so unnatural in her manner, so terrible and stony in her look, that Urbain turned pale and hesitated. "Mon Dieu!" he murmured. "You do not understand!" "Mille tonnerres, Madame la Comtesse," roared the General, striding up to her chair--"they have married this man's son to your daughter. My congratulations on the splendid match. Ange de la Marinière and Hélène de Sainfoy--a pretty couple--but by all that's sacred their happiness shall not last long!" "Hush, hush! Go away, for God's sake," cried Urbain. "You brute, you are killing her." Adélaïde's eyelids had dropped, and she lay back unconscious. There were people in the room, a confusion of voices, of wondering exclamations. Then, through the thickening crowd, Hervé de Sainfoy and Georges pushed their way, white and excited, followed by Mademoiselle Moineau, whose trembling limbs could hardly carry her. The Comte de Sainfoy and General Ratoneau met face to face, and exchanged a few low words as Ratoneau walked out. "You are a pretty host, Monsieur le Comte!" "I have taught you a lesson, I hope, Monsieur le Général. I shall have no more interference with my family affairs." "Sapristi! it is a new thing for you, is it not, to pose as the head of your own family? How did His Majesty's intention come to your knowledge? I am curious to know that." "Let me ask you to leave my house. You shall hear from me. We will settle our affairs another day." "Ah! You had better consult Madame la Comtesse. She is not pleased with you." Ratoneau went out, snarling. Scarcely knowing which way he turned, he found himself in an outer vestibule at the foot of the great staircase. The autumn wind was blowing in, fresh and cool across the valley; grey light was beginning to glimmer, a shiver of dawn to pass over the world outside. A group of men were standing in the doorway, and Ratoneau found himself surrounded by them. One of them was Simon, with his head bound up; the others were some of the police employed to watch Chouan proceedings in the province generally.