The servant became red with joy.
"Tell me, my girl," said Remy, "is there any cross-road from here to Mechlin?"
"Yes, monsieur, but it is very bad, while the regular road is a very fine one."
"Yes, my child, I know that, but we wish to travel by the other."
"Oh! I told you, monsieur, because, as your companion is a lady, the road would not do for her."
"Why not?"
"Because to-night a great number of people will cross the country to go to Brussels."—"To Brussels?"
"Yes; it is a temporary emigration."
"For what reason?"
"I do not know; they had orders."