Page:The Mystery of Madeline Le Blanc (1900).djvu/17

Rh The roll of distant drums signaled the time for departure.

"Let me take you into the house," said he, "I must be gone."

"No, no, I am going with you to where the company congregates."

"Shall I get your hat?"

"No, of what need is a hat!"

They hurried off in the direction of the drums. Instead of retarding Joseph's steps, Madeline kept steadily by his side, holding his arm with a firm grip. They reached the Hôtel de Ville, where people were saying good-by, and last embraces, kisses and farewells were being given, as in the days of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. They passed friends and were passed by them, but the excitement was such that nobody knew anybody else. Each one had his burden of sorrow, that after scarcely a generation of peace, the human carnival was again to begin, that the blood of the sons of France was again to be shed in fratricidal strife. Among others they passed Doctor Satiani standing on the outskirts of the crowd.

At the ranks which were now beginning to move away, Joseph took Madeline's