"Well, messieurs! do you propose to go in here?" inquired Robineau, walking toward his companions.
"Oh! my dear Robineau, you must certainly agree that we cannot refuse this sweet child’s invitation. Besides, we have had nothing but milk this morning, and it seems to me that a little fruit would not do us any harm."
"But, messieurs, at my château you will have chickens and——"
"I am fully persuaded that we shall have geese and turkeys at your château; but, pending the time when we shall enjoy their society, let us make this young woman’s acquaintance. Come, Robineau, just this one concession—it will be the last."
"Great God! how many concessions I have made since yesterday!—You are making me pay very dear for my château!"
"I will write you a poem for your installation, Monsieur Jules."
"Well, if you insist upon it, let us go into the girl’s house for a minute; but beware of her dog!"
Isaure had opened the door. A superb dog, with long silky white hair, leaped upon her, then smelt each one of the visitors—a formality which did not please Robineau.
As they entered the cottage, Alfred turned and exclaimed:
"Why, where’s our guide? I don’t see him."