"As his own brother might. If De Bois-Vallée is a devil, so is Armand Beaujos; if devil's work is to be done he loves to do it. Be sure if any woman is kept there by his master's orders he will keep her tight."
"And the other?"
"A woman. Also a villain, yet true to him. She was his foster-mother, and they say--but," breaking off, "it may be lies."
"What do they say?"
"That this woman loved his father--that, par consequent, she hated his mother. Has said she should have been the old man's wife, the young one's mother, had things gone well with her."
"Humph!" said Andrew, "an interesting family, a pleasant house to make the acquaintance of. Well, it shall be done, nevertheless. Now, Jean, speed on your way and find out, if you can, if there is any woman known to be there. Then come back to me."
"Ay," said Jean, "to-night. To Plombières."
"To Plombières. What is the auberge you say I may find accommodation at?"
"La Tête d'Or. I shall be there to-night. Yet, since you desire to attract no more attention than necessary, be ready for me in the street; thereby I am not forced to ask for you. There is a fountain of good water facing the inn. Look for me there, monsieur. Ere sunset."
"I will not fail. Neither do you do so. Remember--I have another purse."