"
"Yes, Suzanne and I will stay," said Julie. "I felt no weariness a few
moments ago, but I've grown suddenly tired. A short rest will restore
me."
"Very well," said John. "I bid you a brief _au revoir_, and when you
hear a knock on your sitting-room door don't be alarmed, because it will
be Antoine and I returning. Come, Antoine, we'll let the ladies rest
while you and I look for the state apartments for ourselves."
Picard permitted a grin to pass over his broad face. His heart belonged
to his daughter Suzanne and the Lannes family, and it was not moved
easily by outsiders. Yet, this young John Scott from across the sea was
beginning to find a favorable place in his mind. He spoke good French,
he fought well for the French, he was highly esteemed by Monsieur
Philip, he had done great service for Mademoiselle Julie and in the
present crisis he was a tower of strength for them all. His daughter,
Suzanne, regarded young Scott with a certain fear, but he, Antoine,
could not share it. Henceforth John would have his distinct approval,
and he felt a measure of pride in being now his comrade in danger.
When John had closed the door of the sitting-room and he knew that
neither Julie nor Suzanne could hear him, he said:
"Picard, have you any weapon?"
Picard drew a heavy automatic revolver from the pocket of his jacket.
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