Fortunately I have ample means for rebuilding the chateau, for I have led a quiet life for some years; and as the count my husband, being a Huguenot, was not near the court from the time the troubles began, our revenues have for a long time been accumulating; and much of it has been sent to my sister's husband, and has been invested by him in England.

There Francois agrees with me that it should remain.
"There is at present peace here, but who can say how long it will last?
One thing is certain, that should war break out again, it will centre round La Rochelle; and I might be once more forced to leave the chateau at the mercy of the Royalists.

It would, then, be folly to spend a crown upon doing more than is sufficient for our necessities.

We only keep such retainers as are absolutely necessary for our service.

There are but eight horses in the stables, the rest are all out on the farms and, should the troubles recommence, we shall soon find riders for them." "You have just arrived in time, Philip," Francois said presently, "for we start at the end of this week for Bearn and, although you could have followed us, I am right glad that you have arrived in time to ride with us.