I had no more than finished my questionings and gone up to my room, when Joseph arrived—a wistful, expectant Joseph, with a deep light of excitement burning in his eyes.
"Any news?" I asked.
"No, Monsieur, except that in an hour Innocentina starts to walk on to Les Echelles with her ânes."
"She is energetic."
"The girl knows not what is the fatigue. Besides, each day less on the road means so many more francs added to the dot."
"Innocentina seems very keen upon increasing that dot. Has she anyone in view to share it with her?"
"She has not confided that to me, Monsieur."
"I suppose he would have to be a good Catholic?"
"Of that I am not so sure. I do not think she would object to a good Protestant, if he would allow the children to be brought up in her faith."
"The lady is brave. She takes time by the forelock."