“Did you wake me up to ask me such a question as that? You are laughing at me!”
“Excuse me, monsieur, but I am a stranger here, and wish to know if I have really arrived at Varennes.”
“You have, monsieur. If you have come for beds, find them, and leave me to my sleep. Good night!”
“Your pardon, monsieur,” said the courier; “I came not here to sleep, but am in advance of a carriage which expects relays at Varennes.”
“I am sorry for you; but it is no use expecting relays at Varennes, for we do not possess a post-house.”
“I know that, monsieur.”
“Why did you ask me, then?”
A woman’s voice was heard.
“Come to bed, Martin,” said she. “You ought to see that he is only making fun of you.”