They hesitated to take her into custody, her self-possession causing them to doubt if it were really she. But she named herself, saying: "Do not put your hands upon me, messieurs; I give myself up voluntarily. Kindly permit me to go and bid my host adieu; please accompany me." The marquis was deeply distressed by her appearance; yet he could not but admire the noble girl's great courage. "Monsieur," he said to the lieutenant of the provost's guard, "you see that I am resigned to the necessity of obeying your commands, since such is madame's desire; but you surely will not be less honorable than she. You will permit me to drive her to Bourges in my carriage, with my son and his governess. I will take but two or three servants, and you can escort us and watch us as closely as you deem best." So reasonable a request was readily granted, and the family had an hour in which to make their preparations for departure. Lauriane gave her attention to that duty with wonderful self-possession. Mario, dismayed and dazed, as it were, allowed Adamas to dress him without a word. He was seated when his boots were put on, and seemed not to have sufficient strength to raise his little legs. Lucilio went to him and showed him these words, written in Italian: "Be brave, follow the example of that brave heart." "Yes," cried Mario, throwing his arms about his tutor's neck, "I am doing all I possibly can, and I realize what _she_ is doing. But don't you think that my father will find a way to set her free." "If it can be done, do not doubt it, monsieur," said Adamas. "Thank God! Adamas will not leave you, and will think about it every moment. If monsieur le marquis is resigned, it is because there is still some hope." The marquis took Adamas and Mercedes in his great carriage. Clindor took his seat on the box with Aristandre. It was agreed that Lucilio, concerning whom the marquis did not feel altogether at ease, should go to Bourges secretly. "I have it, monsieur," said Adamas to the marquis, when they had passed La Châtre. "What, my good fellow? What have you?" "My idea! When we reach Etalié, we will ask leave to rest a moment at Madame Pignoux's. She has a goddaughter of Madame Lauriane's age. We will have them change clothes, and we will take her with us in place of madame." "But is this god-daughter certain to be there at this time?" "If she isn't there," said Mario, whose spirits were revived by Adamas's project, "I will put on Lauriane's skirt and scarf and hood; then you can say that I have remained at the inn, whereas she will remain in my place, and she can easily escape from there to Guillaume's or Monsieur Robin's, when we have gone a little way."