"Oh, scarcely at all! In the principal apartment there is a straw matting on the centre of the floor; a sofa, and a few arm-chairs composed of rushes, a table, and some chairs, comprise all the inventory, which, I think you will allow, falls far short of the word comfortable."
"Well, I tell you what I should do in your place. Let me see; it is eleven o'clock. I should send a person on whom you can depend to Paris."
"Our overseer![2] There cannot be a more active, intelligent person."
[2] A species of overseer employed in most of the large farming establishments in the environs of Paris.
"Exactly! just the right sort of messenger. Well, in two hours at the utmost, he may be in Paris. Let him go to some upholsterer in the Chaussée d'Antin—never mind which—and give him the list I will draw out, after I have seen what is wanting for the pavilion; and let him be directed to say that, let the expense be what it may—"
"I don't care about expense, if I can but satisfy the duchess."
"The upholsterer, then, must be told that, at any cost, he must see that every article named in the list be sent here either this evening or before daybreak to-morrow, with three or four of his most clever and active workmen to arrange them as quickly as possible."
"They might come by the Gonesse diligence, which leaves Paris at eight o'clock every evening."
"And as they would only have to place the furniture, lay down carpets, and put up curtains, all that could easily be done by to-morrow evening."