He walked with me to the gate, and after a brief farewell I set out towards the city. Thus far nothing unusual had occurred, but there were numerous signs of a coming storm. Most of the shops remained closed, door and windows were barricaded, sober Black Mantles, armed from head to foot, stood in groups talking of the situation. The denizens of the courts still rested, but some, more energetic than their neighbours, made furtive excursions into the main streets. They slunk along with pike and club, as if even now half doubtful of their own strength, though here and there a self-appointed leader shouted for death to the nobles. But the time was not yet. The appetite of the _canaille_ was not sufficiently whetted; later they would be ready for the feast. Walking quickly to the Rue Crillon, I found the ladies breakfasting, and was glad to join them, as I had eaten nothing for many hours. They were not aware of the previous night's riot, and Madame Coutance laughed at the idea of leaving the city. "There is no danger," she declared, "and, besides, I have business in Paris." "But your friends are gone," I urged. "You have heard that Conde has turned traitor?" She flushed angrily, and answered in her masterful way, "I know the prince has taken up arms to secure his rights." "In any case he is not here to protect you from the fury of the mob." "Bah!" said she scornfully, "a pack of cowards! Any one--a woman even--could send them flying with a riding-whip!" Argument was thrown away on her, but I did my best, even exaggerating the danger, and begging her to depart if only for the sake of her niece. However, she remained obstinate; not, I think, out of mere bravado, but because she misjudged the strength of the rising. Standing at the window, she pointed to the quiet street, saying triumphantly, "Where is the danger, M. de Lalande? The Rue Crillon looks to me as peaceful as the park at Aunay. Besides, the citizens are in favour of the prince, and they will not injure us." Shrugging my shoulders impatiently, I made no reply; she must bear the consequence of her folly. Even Marie seemed to think lightly of the peril, though she thanked me prettily for my thoughtfulness. At last, annoyed by my failure, I bade them farewell, and returning to the Luxembourg despatched a soldier in search of Raoul, who looked surprised at seeing me again. "The woman is an imbecile," he exclaimed angrily, "but we must save her in spite of herself, if it is at all possible. Are you aware that the gates are guarded, and that no one is allowed to pass without a permit? The Duke has just issued the order." "In that case I may as well abandon the idea of getting them through, unless you can obtain a permit for us." "I will try, if you will wait here a few minutes," and off he went to the palace. "Another plot, De Lalande?" cried a laughing voice at my elbow, and, turning my head, I perceived Armand d'Arcy, who had just come up.