By her sudden interference Angelique caused a diversion in the
crowd. Le Gardeur rose up to his feet, and many persons recognized
him with astonishment and incredulity, for no one could believe that
he had killed the good Bourgeois, who was known to have been the
warm friend of the whole family of De Repentigny.
De Pean, taking advantage of the sudden shift of feeling in the
crowd and anxious for the safety of Angelique, seized the bridle of
her horse to drag her forcibly out of the press, telling her that
her words had been heard and in another instant the whole mob would
turn its fury upon her, and in order to save her life she must fly.
"I will not fly, De Pean. You may fly yourself, for you are a
coward. They are going to kill Le Gardeur, and I will not forsake
him. They shall kill me first."
"But you must! You shall fly! Hark! Le Gardeur is safe for the
present. Wheel your horse around, and you will see him standing up
yonder quite safe! The crowd rather believe it was I who killed the
Bourgeois, and not Le Gardeur! I have a soul and body to be saved
as well as he!"
"Curse you, soul and body, De Pean! You made me do it! You put
those hellish words in my mouth! I will not go until I see Le
Gardeur safe!"
Angelique endeavored frantically to approach Le Gardeur, and could
not, but as she looked over the surging heads of the people she
could see Le Gardeur standing up, surrounded by a ring of agitated
men who did not appear, however, to threaten him with any injury,--
nay, looked at him more with wonder and pity than with menace of
injury.
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