The non-commissioned officer had indeed just appeared before the door, followed by the clerk with whom he was quarrelling. He was a spruce, dapper-looking young man, but his bragging and soldierly manners disgusted Darvon at first sight. He complained of the delay of the coach, having waited for it since the night preceding, and with words abused the clerk of the office, whose responses were timid and embarrassed. At last, the conductor declaring they must start, he came to the coach-door and looked inside.
"Magnificent collection," murmured he, after having cast an impertinent look on the travellers; "I wonder if the coupé and the rotonde are as well furnished. Have you no women aboard, conductor?"
"The insolent creature!" murmured Mademoiselle.
"Well," resumed the soldier, "one must not be too particular in the country." And he took his place.
Gontran leaned toward Grugel, and said, in a low voice, "This one completes our collection of absurdities."
"Take care he don't hear you," replied Jacques.
Darvon shrugged his shoulders.
"Bragging people inspire more disgust than fear," said he, "and this one certainly needs a lesson in politeness."
Meanwhile, Barnau returned without Lepré. After having looked for the latter at the inn, and waited for him some minutes, the diligence started without him, to the great joy of mademoiselle, who hoped to be more at her ease. But her joy was of short duration, for the non-commissioned officer, who had located himself at first on the other bench, got up and took the seat next to her. The angry old maid adjusted herself brusquely, and pulled down her veil.
The military man turned toward her.