Amelie and Heloise looked at each other with a strange feeling, but
sat still while the rest rushed to the balcony, where they leaned
eagerly over to catch sight of the passing horseman and discover the
meaning of the loud and still repeated cry.
The rider had disappeared round the angle of the Cape, but the cry
from the city waxed still louder, as if more and more voices joined
in it.
Presently men on horseback and on foot were seen hurrying towards
the Castle of St. Louis, and one or two shot up the long slope of
the Place d'Armes, galloping towards the mansion of the Lady de
Tilly, talking and gesticulating in the wildest manner.
"In God's name, what is the matter, Monsieur La Force?" exclaimed
Hortense as that gentleman rode furiously up and checked his horse
violently at the sight of the ladies upon the balcony.
Hortense repeated her question. La Force took off his hat and
looked up, puzzled and distressed. "Is the Lady de Tilly at home?"
inquired he eagerly.
"Not just now, she has gone out; but what is the matter, in heaven's
name?" repeated she, as another wild cry came up from the city.
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