"Yes."
"Then do me the favour." He gave her the reins, with a gesture of apology stepped in front of her, and lowered himself into the water on the left-hand side. "Now, my friend, one of us at each of their heads, and we do it! The whip, madame with all your might, the whip!"
The horses made a bound; the driver dashed forward and caught one by the bridle; the lady lashed. On his side Dieppe, clinging to a trace, made his way forward. Both he and the driver now shouted furiously, their voices echoing in the hills that rose from the river on either side, and rising at last in a shout of triumph as the wheels turned, the horses gained firm footing, and with a last spring forward landed the carriage in safety.
The driver swore softly and crossed himself devoutly before he fell to a rueful study of the roof of the landau.
"Monsieur, I am eternally indebted to you," cried the lady to Dieppe.
"It is a reciprocal service, madame," said he. "To tell the truth, I also had special reasons for wishing to gain this side of the river."
She appeared a trifle embarrassed, but civility, or rather gratitude, impelled her to the suggestion. "You are travelling my way?" she asked.
"A thousand thanks, but I have some business to transact first."
She seemed relieved, but she was puzzled, too. "Business? Here?" she murmured.
Dieppe nodded. "It will not keep me long," he added gravely.