“How they have ruined the country,” said Olympe, gravely.
They met the general near the chateau.
“Where have you been?” he asked.
“You shall know in a minute,” said Blondet, mysteriously, as he helped the countess and Madame Michaud to alight. A moment more and the two gentlemen were alone on the terrace of the apartments.
“You have plenty of moral strength, general; you won’t put yourself in a passion, will you?”
“No,” said the general; “but come to the point or I shall think you are making fun of me.”
“Do you see those trees with dead leaves?”
“Yes.”
“Do you see those others that are wilting?”
“Yes.”