“It is kind, indeed, of him,” Desmond said, “but I doubt whether the colonel will assent.  It is not a month since I was dismissed from drill, and took my place with my company, and I doubt whether he will consider that I am sufficiently versed in my duties, or that, after being so short a time in the regiment, I have any right to leave.”

“What you say is right enough, under ordinary circumstances, but these are altogether extraordinary.  Then, after what you have done, he will feel it but natural that we should wish to have you with us for a time.  Moreover, I do not consider that our journey will be altogether unattended by danger.  From what I have heard of de Tulle, he is a man who never forgives, and will pursue his object with the pertinacity of a bloodhound.  He has failed in his first attempt, but there is no reason why he should not renew it, confident, perhaps, that if successful the king, though he may feel it necessary to feign much anger for a time, will finally forgive him and take him into favour again, especially as his family would bring all their influence to bear to bring this about.  Doubtless, he will be kept perfectly informed of what is going on here.  There are several forests to be traversed on the way, and these are, for the most part, the haunts of robber bands; and, should the carriage be found overturned, and the baron and his daughter missing, it would be put down as their work.  Having the baron as well as his daughter in his power, de Tulle would find it easier than before to compel Anne to purchase her father’s freedom, as well as her own, by consenting to his terms.

“Therefore, you see, the aid of a sword like yours would be valuable, and no doubt your servant, who is also a sturdy fighter, will accompany us.”

“I can hardly think that de Tulle would venture upon so bold a stroke as that, and yet he might do so.  Men of that kind are not accustomed to be thwarted, and it would be a satisfaction to his resentment at his former failure, as well as the attainment of the wide estates of which Anne is heiress.”

At this moment there was a knock at the door, and the baron entered.

“My dear Monsieur Kennedy,” he said, “I have succeeded.  Colonel O’Brien has been pleased to say that you have been so assiduous, in learning your duties, that he considers you as capable of performing them as any of his subalterns; and that you have just brought so much credit on the regiment, that he is pleased to be able to grant the favour I asked.  Here is your furlough, duly signed.  Now it only rests with yourself, to accept or refuse my invitation.”

“I accept it most gladly, Baron.  It will give me the greatest pleasure to accompany you, and mademoiselle, and Monsieur de la Vallee, whom I now regard as a dear friend, to your home.”

“That is settled, then,” the baron said.  “We start early on Thursday morning.  It would be well, therefore, if you were to ride over on Wednesday evening, and occupy one of the many spare chambers there are in the house.”