And all this ruin was laid at the door of poor Franconnette! The neighbours--her worst enemies--determined to burn the daughter of the Huguenot out of her cottage.

The grandmother first heard the cries of the villagers: "Fire them, let them both burn together." Franconnette rushed to the door and pleaded for mercy.

"Go back," cried the crowd, "you must both roast together." They set fire to the rick outside and then proceeded to fire the thatch of the cottage.

"Hold, hold!" cried a stern voice, and Pascal rushed in amongst them.

"Cowards! would you murder two defenceless women?
Tigers that you are, would you fire and burn them in their dwelling ?" Marcel too appeared; he had not yet given up the hope of winning Franconnette's love.