Again he smiled faintly, but he left my question unanswered. "So you managed to keep out of trouble at that place where I last saw you?" said he.
"If I did not keep out of it, at least I got out of it."
"You are a clever young man,—or a lucky one. I was a little disturbed in mind at leaving you as I did. But—business called me. I knew that if you could manage to keep a whole body for ten days or so, even if that amiable Count did see fit to cage you up, you would be set free in the end."
"Set free? By the Count, do you mean?"
"Not at all. By those who would visit the Count; by those who have—But stay,—have you not just come from Lavardin?"
"No, indeed. I left that hospitable house more than a week ago. I set myself free."
"Oh, is that the case? I ask your pardon. When I saw you here, I naturally supposed your liberation was a result of what has just occurred. I haven't yet learned all particulars of the event."
"What event? I don't understand you."
"Then you don't know what has been going on at Lavardin recently?"
"Not I."