At last the cabriolet stopped in front of the gate which gave admission to the courtyard.
“This is the place, this is the very place,” said Edouard, leaping to the ground; “oh! there is no mistake. I recognize the gate, the courtyard, and even this bell. It’s the same one that was here in my time. And there is the sign saying that the house is for sale.”
While he was examining with emotion the outside of the house, Adeline assisted her mother from the carriage; they fastened the horse, and then entered the courtyard, for the gate was not locked.
“Oh! how I shall enjoy myself here!” said Adeline, glancing about with a satisfied expression; “isn’t this house fascinating, mamma?”
“But, one moment, my child; we have seen nothing as yet.”
A tall peasant came out of a room on the ground floor, followed by an enormous dog.
“What do you want?” he said, scrutinizing them surlily enough.
“We want to see this house,” Edouard replied.
“All right,” muttered the concierge between his teeth; “come with me, and I will take you to my master.”
Edouard, with his wife and Madame Germeuil, followed their conductor, who ascended a staircase and showed them into a dining-room on the first floor, where he left them, to go to summon his master.