"How is this? Is this your livery, ruined like this already, Monsieur Vincent?"
"You shouldn’t give me a color so easy to dirt, master, if you want me to plant and dig and water flowers; that’s the trouble!"
"My friends," continued Robineau, addressing his servants, "as you don’t know just what it was that frightened you, I will let it go at that for to-day; but the next time that you hear anything, or see anything suspicious in the château, I order you to find out instantly what it is, under pain of being discharged; because I do not choose that anyone in my service shall be afraid.—Go."
All the servants took their leave, and Robineau walked toward the ladies, saying:
"It seems to me that I talked to them rather decidedly."
"It seems to me, monsieur, that you have made a great deal of noise over nothing," said Cornélie.
"I am not so brave as my sister," said Madame de Hautmont, "and I am sure that I shall dream to-night of imps and will-o’-the-wisps, in spite of myself. And then, too, this château has such a Gothic appearance! In pity’s name, Monsieur de la Roche-Noire, do not give us rooms very far from these gentlemen, for if I should hear anything in the night, if I should be afraid, who would come to my assistance?"
"Have no fear, madame," said Alfred, "my room also opens on the large gallery; my door is almost opposite yours; at the slightest sound I shall hasten to offer you my services."
"Ah! that is very nice, monsieur; I place myself under your safeguard, under your protection!"
Cornélie glanced furtively at her sister and Alfred, saying in an undertone: