All was finished!
* * * * * * * * *
At the door, the outer door, of the heavy oaken panels studded with iron nails, and which had just been opened ... on the highest of the eight steps leading down from it ... the Count François and the Vicomte Antoine likewise said to me:
“Farewell, Monsieur.”
* * * * * * * * *
I crossed the garden, my feet treading and crushing the tall unmown grass, my head grazing the thick matted branches of the pine and cedar trees.
The gate was open.
I hurried through it.
And now I was out upon the heath, walking indifferent to direction save that I turned my face toward the brightening dawn....