"Ah!" said Aurilly, "I know whom you mean."
"Really."
"Yes; you mean the young lady."
"What young lady?"
"Oh! do not be angry, my good friend; I am the steward of the house of Joyeuse, and I rejoined my young master by his brother's order, and at his departure the comte recommended to my good offices a young lady and an old servant, who were returning to France."
As he thus spoke, he approached Remy with a smiling and affectionate look. But Remy stepped back, and a look of horror was painted for an instant on his face.
"You do not reply; one would say you were afraid of me," said Aurilly, with his most smiling face.
"Monsieur," replied Remy, "pardon a poor old man, whom his misfortunes and his wounds have rendered timid and suspicious."
"All the more reason, my friend, for accepting the help and support of an honest companion; besides, as I told you just now, I speak on the part of a master who must inspire you with confidence."
"Assuredly, monsieur," replied Remy, who, however, still moved back.