“‘The military citizen commanders of all grades, the district administrators, the _procureur-syndics_, et cetera, of the insurgent departments, and particularly those of the localities in which the ci-devant Marquis de Montauran, leader of the brigands and otherwise known as the Gars, may be found, are hereby commanded to give aid and assistance to the _citoyenne_ Marie Verneuil and to obey the orders which she may give them at her discretion.’ “A worthless hussy takes a noble name to soil it with such treachery,” added Madame du Gua. A movement of astonishment ran through the assembly. “The fight is not even if the Republic employs such pretty women against us,” said the Baron du Guenic gaily. “Especially women who have nothing to lose,” said Madame du Gua. “Nothing?” cried the Chevalier du Vissard. “Mademoiselle has a property which probably brings her in a pretty good sum.” “The Republic must like a joke, to send strumpets for ambassadors,” said the Abbe Gudin. “Unfortunately, Mademoiselle seeks the joys that kill,” said Madame du Gua, with a horrible expression of pleasure at the end she foresaw. “Then why are you still living?” said her victim, rising to her feet, after repairing the disorder of her clothes. This bitter sarcasm excited a sort of respect for so brave a victim, and silenced the assembly. Madame du Gua saw a satirical smile on the lips of the men, which infuriated her, and paying no attention to the marquis and Merle who were entering the room, she called to the Chouan who followed them. “Pille-Miche!” she said, pointing to Mademoiselle de Verneuil, “take her; she is my share of the booty, and I turn her over to you--do what you like with her.” At these words the whole assembly shuddered, for the hideous heads of Pille-Miche and Marche-a-Terre appeared behind the marquis, and the punishment was seen in all its horror.