M. CLÉMENT went away as usual, soon after breakfast. He had a protestant friend living in the town and he determined to go and see him before he went to his daily business, and ask his advice and counsel in the very difficult position in which he was placed.
This man, Dr. Bion, had been one of the bitterest opponents of the reformed religion, and had encouraged the persecutions as much as lay in his power, but the grace of God had the effect of turning the persecutor into a friend. The patience and endurance of the Huguenots under the cruel treatment they received had such an effect on him that he said himself that “their wounds spoke to him like so many mouths and preached such wonderful sermons, that God blest it to his eternal salvation." And he who had been their foe was now a loving pastor and teacher.
M. Clément knew he would give faithful advice, for he was a man who lived in such close communion with Christ that he seemed to reflect something oi Him in all his ways. He looked grave when he heard of the trouble which had befallen them, but greatly comforted the poor father with his kind and sympathetic words.
It seemed such a long dreary day for the little Cléments, for they had to remain indoors all day, that the soldiers might not see them. It was necessary to keep them very quiet too, so Marguerite had plenty to do to amuse them; but she managed as only a sister could by telling them stories, and inventing quiet games to keep them occupied till evening came.
Their father and mother were very much perplexed to know how to get Louise and Eugène away, for it was quite necessary for them to leave the house that night. But they were helped more quickly than they expected.
That afternoon, the woman who brought butter and vegetables from the farm came, bringing with her one of the little peasant girls who used to help on the farm.
Madame Clément spoke to her a long time, and the woman, whose name was Susette, agreed to her proposal. It was that Louise and Eugène should go back to the farm with her, and then be put on board a ship bound for England, where a cousin of Madame Clément lived.
The children were delighted, for like most children the novelty and excitement of the moment kept away all the more serious thoughts. Louise was dressed in the little peasant's large hooded cloak, which quite disguised her, for no one would notice that her face was not quite so brown as the others.
Eugène was not quite so easy to manage, he had to be rolled up in a large bundle, to look like the dirty linen Susette generally took away with her to be washed at the farm. When he was well done up, leaving place however for him to breathe, Jeanne and Susette carried him down and laid him on the straw at the bottom of the cart. He was a big fat boy, and rather heavy to carry rolled up as he was.
A soldier who was standing by watched the two women as they carried him out to the cart. “How strong you women are!" he said, laughing; "one would think you had something heavier than Hilen there."
“Then why don't you come and help us?" retorted Susette.
“Bah!" said the soldier, " I might make my arms ache," and turned away with a laugh.
Louise sat down in a comer of the cart beside Susette's stool, and Susette shaking the reins, the old cart rattled and bumped over the stones towards the farm, leaving behind a mother with a heart as heavy as lead. They reached the farm late at night and went to bed, and here we must leave them till the next chapter.