“Two,” said the rascal.
“Well, two if you will lie enough.”
“Good! This sacré animal! Be quiet!”
I busied myself helping the man, and a moment later the gentleman went by me and, as I expected, asked the driver. “There was a woman in your carriage?”
“No, monsieur; the gentleman was alone, and you have smashed my carriage. Sacré bleu! Who is to pay?”
“That is of no moment. Here is my card.” The man took it, but said doubtfully,
“That’s all well to-day, but to-morrow—”
“Stuff! Your carriage is not damaged. Here, my man, a half-napoleon will more than pay.”
The driver, well pleased with this accumulation of unlooked-for good fortune, expressed himself contented. The gentleman stood, mopping the blood from his forehead, while the two drivers set up the cabriolet and continued to repair the broken harness. Glad of the delay, I too, stood still in the rain saying nothing. My companion of the hour was as silent.
At last the coachmen declared themselves ready to leave. Upon this, the gentleman said to me: “You have denied, monsieur, that there was a woman with you. It is my belief that she has escaped into the wood.”