Madame Munier's wonder had reached as high as it could soar. She began to wonder whether Oliver had not gone mad.
He gave her scarcely any time to recover before he administered another and a greater shock.
"Mother," said he, suddenly, "the family returns to the château to-day?"
"Yes," said his mother; "they passed through the town about a half an hour before you came."
"I know," said Oliver; "I saw them upon the road. There were two ladies with monseigneur. Do you know who they were?"
"One of them was thin and wrinkled, with black eyes and heavy eyebrows?"
"Yes," said Oliver.
"The other, a young girl, rather pretty?"
"She is beautiful!" said Oliver.