"Here are our horses, madame," said Remy; "go up quickly, and I will close the trap-door."
Diana obeyed, and found Grandchamp, whom the noise had awakened, at the door.
The old man was not a little surprised to hear of his mistress's intended departure, who informed him of it without telling him where she was going.
"Grandchamp, my friend," said she, "Remy and I are going to accomplish a pilgrimage on which we have long determined; speak of this journey to none, and do not mention my name to any one."
"Oh! I promise you, madame," replied the old servant; "but we shall see you again?"
"Doubtless, Grandchamp; if not in this world, in the next. But, apropos, Grandchamp, this house is now useless to us."
Diana drew from a drawer a bundle of papers.
"Here are the title-deeds; let or sell this house; but if, in the course of a month, you do not find a purchaser, abandon it and return to Meridor."
"But if I find some one, how much am I to ask?"
"What you please, Grandchamp."