Then came the news that every town commanding a bridge across the Loire was being put in a state of defence, and strong bodies of troops thrown into them; and we heard that, as soon as the Germans reached the river, and farther advance was impossible, they would be attacked by the armies of Nemours and Aumale.

But by this time we had become so accustomed to these tales that we were not much alarmed.
"We were, however, surprised when we heard that a strong body of the Germans had forded the river; and had blockaded La Charite on this side, while it had been besieged on the other.

I hear that a strong garrison has been left there." "Yes, madam.

The place is of great importance, as it gives us a means of crossing the Loire at any time.

We find, too, that a large part of the population are Huguenot; and the place will certainly be held against any attack the Royalists may make against us." "The news will be received with joy, indeed, by all of our religion in this part of France.