"Write, then, before anything else! If you do not write, you will be looked upon as a turncoat; indeed, you must wait, before taking any decisive step, until your resignation is accepted."
"Dear little diplomatist, have no fear that they will not accept it, and very gladly. My bungling at Chantilly will spare them any great regret. Did they not tell me," laughed Canolles, "that I was a poor fool?"
"Yes; but we will make up to you for any opinion they may entertain, never fear. Your affair at Chantilly will be more thoroughly appreciated at Bordeaux than at Paris, I assure you. But write, baron, write, so that we may leave this place! for I confess that I am not at ease by any means in this inn."
"Are you speaking of the past; is it the memory of another time that terrifies you so?" said Canolles, gazing fondly about the room.
"No. I am speaking of the present, and you do not enter into my fears to-day."
"Whom do you fear, pray? What have you to fear?"
"Mon Dieu! who knows?"
At that moment, as if to justify the viscountess's apprehension, three blows were struck upon the door with appalling solemnity.
Claire and Canolles ceased their conversation and exchanged an anxious, questioning glance.