THE PROJECT OF M. DE ST. LUC.
When the repast was over, Monsoreau took St. Luc’s arm and went out. “Do you know,” said he, “that I am very happy to have found you here, for the solitude of Méridor frightened me.”
“What, with your wife? As for me, with such a companion I should find a desert delightful.”
“I do not say no, but still——”
“Still, what?”
“I am very glad to have met you here.”
“Really, monsieur, you are very polite, for I cannot believe that you could possibly fear ennui with such a companion, and such a country.”
“Bah! I pass half my life in the woods.”
“The more reason for being fond of them, it seems to me. I know I shall be very sorry to leave them; unluckily, I fear I shall be forced to do so before long.”
“Why so?”