“But you are a long way from Chelles; did you find no protection from the storm?”
“Only some big trees. It is so deserted about here.”
“Is madame indisposed?”
This question was addressed to Honorine, who, pale as a statue, had not yet uttered a word, because she recalled too distinctly those uttered by their companion when he believed himself to be alone before the cross on the grave.
But, feeling that her companion was nudging her, Madame Dalmont said in a faltering tone:
“No, monsieur, no; I am not ill; but I had a fright, and——”
“She was afraid of the storm,” interposed Agathe hastily; “and just now she admitted to me that she could not walk.”
“Oh! that’s all over, and I can walk very well now.”
“Since chance has placed me in your path again, mesdames, you will allow me to act as your guide once more, and to take you home.”
“Oh! I thank you, monsieur, but if you will be kind enough to take us as far as the bridge at Gournay, that will be sufficient. Really, you might well conceive a strange idea of us, when you constantly find us wandering about the country at night, and always obliged to call upon you for assistance!”