"My friends," commenced Cavalier anew, "As I a short time since descended into the plains and valley of Nage, it appeared to me singularly enigmatical, that in so many places I met with coldness, disapprobation, and a strange backwardness in the best and most faithful. Unheard of and wilful barbarities were spoken of, said to have been practised by our party. I enquired who were the leaders, but they could not name them to me. Our most devoted friends told me, however, that this was not the right manner, or the way to fight through our, besides this, perilous cause. I shuddered when forced to listen to these accounts. Our enemies have hardly acted towards us with so much cruelty. I could not avoid shedding tears at the barbarous manner in which the Marchioness of Miramon has been murdered. You all know that she was a secret friend to our cause, and that we have enjoyed many succours from her kindness. This lady frequently travelled, often met with our people who were all acquainted with her, and who besides never wilfully injured the peaceable and defenceless inhabitants, but let them pass freely. Now she intended to quit Usez, in order to visit her husband at St. Ambroise. She was advised to take with her an escort, or at least armed servants, but confiding in our friendship, she refused both. She had already nearly reached the place of destination, when her carriage was surrounded by dark-looking men; she and her maids were bound, and neither entreaties, nor tears, nor the costly jewels that she carried with her, nor promise of much gold could save these hapless beings from the most disgraceful death. I contradicted all the exasperated people, that no troop of our party could have done this, but only a few believed me. Fortunately I have discovered who these wretches are, who also call themselves Camisards and dishonour our cause; it is a band of highwaymen and incendiaries who have come from Provence. Advance friend Degran, and relate to the brethren how you came up with the villains, and how you escaped from them."