“‘If that is so,’ he replied, laughing, ‘we are not after the same kind of game.’
“He went his way; but this accident annoyed me seriously. I continued on my way, swearing, I fear, at young Ribot, and found that the path became more and more dangerous. It was long past nine when I reached Valpinson at last. But the night was clear, and I became more cautious than ever.
“The place which the countess had chosen for our meeting was about two hundred yards from the house and the farm buildings, sheltered by other buildings, and quite close to the wood. I approached it through this wood.
“Hid among the trees, I was examining the ground, when I noticed the countess standing near one of the old towers: she wore a simple costume of light muslin, which could be seen at a distance. Finding every thing quiet, I went up to her; and, as soon as she saw me, she said,—
“‘I have been waiting for you nearly an hour.’
“I explained to her the difficulties I had met with on my way there; and then I asked her,—
“‘But where is your husband?’
“‘He is laid up with rheumatism,’ she replied.
“‘Will he not wonder at your absence?’
“‘No: he knows I am sitting up with my youngest daughter. I left the house through the little door of the laundry.’