Why caution me
against the market to-morrow? It is the day of St. Martin; the poor
will expect me; if I go not, many will return empty away."
"They are not wholly fancies, master. Two gentlemen of the Palace
passed to-day, and looking up at the tablet, one wagered the other
on the battle to-morrow between Cerberus and the Golden Dog. I have
not forgotten wholly my early lessons in classical lore," added the
dame.
"Nor I, dame. I comprehend the allusion, but it will not keep me
from the market! I will be watchful, however, for I know that the
malice of my enemies is at this time greater than ever before."
"Let Pierre go with you, and you will be safe," said the dame half
imploringly.
The Bourgeois laughed at the suggestion and began good-humoredly to
rally her on her curious gift and on the inconvenience of having a
prophetess in his house to anticipate the evil day.
Dame Rochelle would not say more. She knew that to express her
fears more distinctly would only harden the resolution of the
Bourgeois. His natural courage would make him court the special
danger he ought to avoid.
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