"Then you are on the best of terms with her, aren't you, monsieur puppy? Very good. Take this letter and go around by the fields."
"I know the road, monsieur," said Castorin, with a self-satisfied expression.
"'T is well. Knock at the back door. No doubt you know that door, too?"
"Perfectly well."
"Better and better. Take that road, knock at that door, and hand this letter to Mademoiselle Francinette."
"Then, monsieur," said Castorin, joyfully, "I may—"
"You may start instantly; you have ten minutes to go and come. This letter must be delivered to Mademoiselle Nanon de Lartigues at the earliest possible moment."
"But suppose they don't open the door, monsieur?" queried Castorin, suspecting that something had gone wrong.
"Why, you must be a fool in that case, for you should have some particular way of knocking, which makes it certain that a brave fellow like you won't be left outside; if that's not the case, I am much to be pitied for having such a dolt in my service."