This--which I had from Percy through the hands of Chauvelin--I neitherquestion nor understand.... He wrote the letter, and I have no thoughtbut to obey. In his previous letter to me he enjoined me, if ever hewrote to me again, to obey him implicitly, and to communicate with you.To both these commands do I submit with a glad heart. But of this must Igive you warning, little mother--Chauvelin desires you also to accompanyus to-morrow.... Percy does not know this yet, else he would neverstart. But those fiends fear that his readiness is a blind... and thathe has some plan in his head for his own escape and the continued safetyof the Dauphin.... This plan they hope to frustrate through holding youand me as hostages for his good faith. God only knows how gladly I wouldgive my life for my chief... but your life, dear little mother... issacred above all.... I think that I do right in warning you. God help usall.