There was no sign of life, however, apparent, although the upper windows were opened to their widest extent, and the snowy curtains waved out on the wall among the climbing roses; and St. Udo's peremptory rap upon the door only received an answer from its echo in the sounding hall. "_Encore!_" cried the cavalier, "they sleep soundly! Again, _mon ami_, don't despair." A shrill cry interrupted the little man, and sent his dilated eyes up to the window above, from which it had proceeded. "A woman in terror!" whispered he. "_Morbleu!_ I long to greet the owner of such a voice. So clear, so fresh. Sweet madam. I pray you shriek again!" St. Udo knocked louder. "Go, go, Vinnie," uttered a frantic voice. "It is a band of Northern soldiers. They will blow up the house if you don't let them in!" "_Milles diables!_" muttered the chevalier, in a startled tone. "Who speaks with these accents? _Ma foi!_ I want the eclaircissement." The door grudgingly opened, and a pretty quadroon girl looked out. "Bring your mistress," ordered St. Udo. She fearfully retreated, leaving the door open, and rushed up a broad staircase, down which was wafted the hurried tones of a terrified consultation. Then she reappeared and conducted the officers into a magnificent drawing-room assuring them that her mistress would see them in a few moments. "_Machere_, whose house is this?" demanded the chevalier. "Colonel Estvan's," whispered the quadroon. "Where is he?" asked St. Udo, sharply. She turned pale. "_Pouf!_ do not affright this pretty one," interposed the gallant chevalier. "Monsieur Estvan is fighting like the devil against the Northerners, is he not, _pauvrette_?" "Yes," faltered she; "but madam forbade me to tell it." "_Ouais_, madam is shrewd," laughed Calembours. "Now, _mon enfant_, where is madam?" "She has not arisen yet," said the trembling maid, "but will come soon to speak with you. Madam asks will you have refreshments?" "Ten thousand thanks. Yes, yes, _machere_, and make haste," said the hungry Hun, with alacrity. No sooner was the girl gone when Calembours turned his attention to the examination of the elegantly embellished apartment, and, with an ejaculation of delight, extolled the pictures, statuettes, and _bijouterie_ which were scattered about with such profusion; and then he burst into a gay old French song. St. Udo, being seated within view of the hall, which he could see through the half-open door, was the sole witness of what followed, however.