de Cocheforet opened the door and came in. Over his
shoulder I had a glimpse of Mademoiselle's proud face, a little
whiter than of yore, with dark marks under the eyes, but like
Satan's for coldness.
'What is this?' he said, frowning, as his eyes lighted on
Madame.
'It is--that we start at eleven o'clock, Monsieur,' I answered,
bowing curtly. And I went out by the other door.
. . . . .
That I might not be present at their parting I remained in the
garden until the hour I had appointed was well past; and then,
without entering the house, I went to the stable entrance. Here
I found all in readiness, the two troopers whose company I had
requisitioned as far as Auch, already in the saddle, my own two
knaves waiting with my sorrel and M. de Cocheforet's chestnut.
Another horse was being led up and down by Louis, and, alas! my
heart moved at the sight, for it bore a lady's saddle. We were
to have company then. Was it Madame who meant to come with us,
or Mademoiselle? And how far? To Auch?
I suppose that they had set some kind of a watch on me, for as I
walked up M.
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