The boy dropped his heavy burden with a sigh of relief.
“This is the last,” he exclaimed. “Now, our gentleman can come.”
“At what hour will he start?” inquired Marie-Anne.
“At eleven o’clock. It will be nearly midnight when he gets here.”
Marie-Anne glanced at the magnificent clock on the mantel.
“I have still three hours before me,” said she; “more time than I shall need. Supper is ready; I am going to set the table here, by the fire. Tell him to bring a good appetite.”
“I will tell him, and many thanks, Mademoiselle, for having come to meet me and aid me with my second load. It was not so very heavy, but it was clumsy to handle.”
“Will you not accept a glass of wine?”
“No, thank you. I must hasten back. Au revoir, Mademoiselle Lacheneur.”
“Au revoir, Poignot.”