They entered into an open field where there was a sign: For Sale; and Julien began thus:
"Monsieur my uncle, Madame d'Estrelle read your letter and summoned me to her presence so that I might bring you her verbal response."
"Verbal?"
"Yes, word for word."
"Let us hear it!"
"Madame la comtesse, considering that your mind must have been disturbed when you asked for her hand, was afraid to be alone with you and put an end to the interview by a promise to reflect; but she had already reflected, and this is her decision. She regrets that she will be unable to come to your house to-morrow, and she informs you that from this moment she will no longer be at home."
"She is going away! Where is she going?"
"It is not for me to interpret, but for you to understand."
"I understand! this is my formal dismissal, is it?"
"Everything tends to make me think so."