"And Bichette, monsieur—is dear old Bichette alive?"
"She is alive, and draws the chair as well as ever. I hear you have a little son. He may love the old pony and chair as you used to love them."
"Seeing you, monsieur, is like coming again to my home!"
"I trust you may come soon."
They spoke of fruit and cattle. Neither dared mention the name of any human companion associated with the past.
I took opportunity to ask Count de Chaumont if her lands were recovered. A baffled look troubled his face.
"The emperor will see her to-night," he answered. "It is impossible to say what can be done until the emperor sees her."
"Is there any truth in the story that he will marry her to the officer who holds her estate?"
The count frowned.
"No—no! That's impossible."