"Faith, yes! In my opinion, marriage gives a man ballast, consideration. However, we will see about that.—But I am going to Saint-Amand; you will come with me, I hope?"
Alfred hesitated—he had another plan in mind. Edouard, observing his hesitation, made haste to say:
"Yes, yes; let’s go to Saint-Amand. They say it’s a very pretty town, and we must become acquainted with the townspeople."
After a moment’s reflection, Alfred agreed to go. Monsieur Cunette came forward, bowing to the ground before his master, whose feet he was ready to kiss, and announced that the cabriolet was ready.
"What’s that? have you a cabriolet?"
"Yes—that is to say, a sort of little carriole. Monsieur Cheval procured it for me; it is very neat, and it will be better than to go such a short distance in a post-chaise."
"Where did you find a horse?"
"Monsieur Férulus has lent me one belonging to the father of one of his pupils."
"That is to say, the father of the pupil lends it to you."
"I mean to buy some horses at once. Come, messieurs, let us breakfast at once, and start for Saint-Amand. I have notified the notary of my visit, and I am sure that the whole town expects us."