Monsieur d'Hauteserre, believing that all was gained, wrote a letter announcing the good news.

The family at Cinq-Cygne were therefore not surprised when, a few days later, Goulard came to inform the countess and Madame d'Hauteserre that they were to send the four gentlemen to Troyes, where the prefect would show them the decree reinstating them in their rights and administer to them the oath of allegiance to the Empire and the laws.

Laurence replied that she would send the notification to her cousins and the Messieurs d'Hauteserre.
"Then they are not here ?" said Goulard.
Madame d'Hauteserre looked anxiously after Laurence, who left the room to consult Michu.

Michu saw no reason why the young men should not be released at once from their hiding-place.

Laurence, Michu, his son, and Gothard therefore started as soon as possible for the forest, taking an extra horse, for the countess resolved to accompany her cousins to Troyes and return with them.