Or if I
could not effect my purpose in that way--either by
reason of the landlord's vigilance, or for any other
cause--my course was still easy. I would ride away, and
when I had proceeded a mile or so, tie up my horse in
the forest and return to the wooden bridge. Thence I
could watch the garden and front of the Chateau until
time and chance gave me the opportunity I sought.
So I saw my way quite clearly; and when the fellow below
called me, reminding me rudely that I must be going, and
that it was six o'clock, I was ready with my answer. I
shouted sulkily that I was coming, and, after a decent
delay, I took up my saddle and bags and went down.
Viewed by the light of a cold morning, the inn-room
looked more smoky, more grimy, more wretched than when I
had last seen it. The goodwife was not visible. The
fire was not lighted. No provision, not so much as a
stirrup-cup or bowl of porridge cheered the heart.
I looked round, sniffing the stale smell of last night's
lamp, and grunted.
'Are you going to send me out fasting?' I said,
affecting a worse humour than I felt.
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