"The orders are that no one is to leave
or enter without proper papers."
"Whose orders?"
"Orders of the Commune of Paris."
"But I must go into the country this evening." Madame's voice was
almost petulant. "I am expected."
"In that case let madame procure a permit."
"Where is it to be procured?"
"At the Hotel de Ville or at the headquarters of madame's section."
She considered a moment. "To the section, then. Be so good as to
tell my coachman to drive to the Bondy Section."
He saluted her and stepped back. "Section Bondy, Rue des Morts,"
he bade the driver.
Madame sank into her seat again, in a state of agitation fully
shared by mademoiselle. Rougane set himself to pacify and reassure
them. The section would put the matter in order. They would most
certainly be accorded a permit. What possible reason could there
be for refusing them? A mere formality, after all!
His assurance uplifted them merely to prepare them for a still more
profound dejection when presently they met with a flat refusal from
the president of the section who received the Countess.
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