"That's right; then you can take these ladies there."
"Yes, yes! Pardi! while I'm about it, I might as well lose my whole day; it will go in with the rest."
"Very well; continue to be our guide, Père Ledrux, and let us go to find Poucette. After all, it will make us acquainted with the country.—Good-morning, madame; we are going to see your niece, and if my proposition is satisfactory to her, that arrangement will be made."
"You won't be sorry, for she's a good girl. Your servant, mesdames."
The two friends set off once more, still preceded by the gardener, who led them across the country, saying:
"This time it's in just the opposite direction; we have got to go toward Gournay."
"Is it a long distance?"
"Faith! it's quite a little piece."
"How does it happen," said Agathe, "that a man buys land so far from his house?"
"Well! mamzelle, sometimes one inherits it, or else he gets it at a bargain. I believe that Guillot got this piece of land of his from his father-in-law, but I'm afraid he won't keep it long."