"About fifty steps from the inn," he said.
"Then please let some one come along with me to show me the way," begged the lady.
"Directly, madame. Jean, lead this lady to the vicarage."
"Yes, Monsieur Etienne," was the servant's reply, "but the priest is not at home."
"What?" said the lady, astonished. "Where is he, then?"
"I do not know. He rode past me this morning. Perhaps the housekeeper can tell us," added the servant.
"Good. Let us go there," said the lady, and before the end of five minutes they were at the vicarage.
The door was opened by an elderly woman. She made a courtesy when she saw the lady, and politely said: "Ah, madame—you are here."
"Were you expecting me?" asked the lady, astonished.