At the same moment the crackings of a whip were heard, and the two carriages crossed the Place de l’Hotel de Ville.
They drew up in front of the post-house.
One can easily recognise the house, then built about three years, and which bears upon its face the date 1788.
Scarcely had the carriage stopped, when crowds of people surrounded them.
One of the lookers-on asked M. Malden, who was descending from the box, “Who are the travellers who journey in this style?”
“Madame the Baronne de Korff,” replied de Malden.
“What! another of the exiles who are sucking at the vitals of France?” murmured the spectator, discontentedly.
“No; this lady is a Russian, and, consequently, a stranger.”
During this, M. de Dandoins, his policeman’s hat in his hand, approached the carriage door, before which he stood, respectfully.