"Here," she said, "is the farm of Nouzillac, where he is employed; there, a parish called La Flocellière; and there Les Châtelliers, where is his house, called La Château."
"I do not know any of those names, pet."
"There are hills in all directions, some small, some large, and a great many trees. When the wind blows from Saint Michel it rains without ceasing. Pouzanges is not far."
"I have heard speak of Saint Michel and Pouzanges when I was quite a child by Boquins, who used in those days to come to our part to seek for fuel. And when must I go?"
Lowering her soft eyes, Rousille answered:
"Father is hard pressed. He said the sooner the better."
"Holy Virgin! But I cannot start to-night. Still, look at the clock, Véronique, your eyes are better than mine."
The younger sister rising, trotted to the foot of the tall clock which stood between the beds, and with difficulty read the time from the copper-clock face.
"Too late, sister. The last tramway for Chalons has just passed."
"Then," said Adelaide, "I will start to-morrow morning. I have good legs to carry me to Quatre-Moulins, and a good tongue to ask my way later from the shopkeepers at Chalons. I will go. All the way I shall be thinking of you, Rousille, and when I see La Mère Nesmy—you will say I am conceited—but I shall not be a bit embarrassed, I will tell her of you, and I shall have plenty to tell. Why are you getting up, little one?"