"You were going to Beaugency?"
"Yes, monsieur."
"Then I have delayed you, and you cannot go on to-night."
"On the contrary, monsieur, I am about to start at once."—"For Beaugency?"
"No, for Paris," said Ernanton; "somewhat unwillingly."
The duke appeared astonished.
"Pardon," said he; "but it is strange that going to Beaugency, and being stopped by an unforeseen circumstance, you should return without fulfilling the end of your journey."
"Nothing is more simple, monsieur; I was going to a rendezvous for a particular time, which I have lost by coming here with you; therefore I return."
"Oh! monsieur, will you not stay here with me for two or three days? I will send this soldier to Paris for a surgeon, and I cannot remain here alone with these peasants, who are strangers to me."
"Then let the soldier remain with you, and I will send you a doctor."