She was sitting in a low, stoutly made chair which
had been fashioned expressly for her huge frame, and was shuffling a
pack of cards when the ladies entered.
She did not lay the cards to one side, nor did she rise from her chair
when the baroness came toward her and said in a friendly tone:
"Well, Lisette, I dare say you do not know that I am your neighbor from
the manor?"
"Oh, yes, I do. I used often to hear my poor old man talk about the
beautiful lady over yonder, and of course you must be she."
"And do you know that I expect to be Count Vavel's wife?"
"I did not know it, your ladyship, but it is natural. A gallant
gentleman and a beautiful lady--if they are thrown together then there
follows either marriage or danger. A marriage is better than a danger."
"This time, Lisette, marriage and danger go hand in hand. The count is
preparing for the war."
This announcement had no other effect on the impassive mountain of flesh
than to make her shuffle her cards more rapidly.
"Then it is come at last!" she muttered, cutting the cards, and
glancing at the under one. It was only a knave, not the queen!
"Yes," continued the baroness; "the recruiting-flag already floats from
the tower of the castle, and to-morrow volunteers will begin to enroll
their names.
Pages:
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301