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 CHAPTER IV

AT MEUDON

in the week he received a visit from Le Chapelier just before noon.

"I have news for you, André. Your godfather is at Meudon.  He arrived there two days ago.  Had you heard?"

"But no. How should I hear?  Why is he at Meudon?" He was conscious of a faint excitement, which he could hardly have explained.

"I don't know. There have been fresh disturbances in Brittany.  It may be due to that."

"And so he has come for shelter to his brother?" asked André-Louis.

"To his brother's house, yes; but not to his brother. Where do you live at all, André?  Do you never hear any of the news?  Étienne de Gavrillac emigrated years ago.  He was of the household of M. d'Artois, and he crossed the frontier with him.  By now, no doubt, he is in Germany with him, conspiring against France.  For that is what the émigrés are doing.  That Austrian woman at the Tuileries will end by destroying the monarchy."

"Yes, yes," said André-Louis impatiently. Politics interested him not at all this morning. "But about Gavrillac?"

"Why, have n't I told you that Gavrillac is at Meudon, installed in the house his brother has left? Dieu de Dieu!  Don't I speak French or don't you understand the language?  I believe that Rabouillet, his intendant, is in charge of Gavrillac.  I have brought you the news the moment I received it.  I thought you would probably wish to go out to Meudon."

"Of course. I will go at once—that is, as soon as I can.  I can't to-day, nor yet to-morrow.  I am too busy here."