He had been separated from the baron.

What had been his fate?
Had he been killed or taken prisoner?
Was it possible that he had made his escape?
The worthy priest dared not go away.

He waited, hoping that his companion might rejoin him, and deemed himself fortunate in finding the carriage still there.

He was still waiting when the remnant of the column confided to Maurice and Chanlouineau came up.
Of the five hundred men that composed it on its departure from Sairmeuse, only fifteen remained, including the two retired officers.
Marie-Anne was in the centre of this little party.
M.Lacheneur and his friends were trying to decide what course it was best for them to pursue.

Should each man go his way?
or should they unite, and by an obstinate resistance, give all their comrades time to reach their homes?
The voice of Chanlouineau put an end to all hesitation.
"I have come to fight," he exclaimed, "and I shall sell my life dearly." "We will make a stand then!" cried the others.
But Chanlouineau did not follow them to the spot which they had considered best adapted to the prolonged defence; he called Maurice and drew him a little aside.
"You, Monsieur d'Escorval," he said, almost roughly, "are going to leave here and at once." "I--I came here, Chanlouineau, as you did, to do my duty." "Your duty, Monsieur, is to serve Marie-Anne.