An old lady who had not yet spoken, but who knew how to "speak a word in season," then remarked, "Place, each of you, a small sum of money in Alfred's hands. If he finds the charcoal burner worthily employed, let him bestow it upon him. If otherwise, as some of you have supposed may be the case, let him bring it back, and restore to each one what he has contributed."
Every one readily agreed to the proposal. Each drew out his purse, and Alfred received a very respectable sum. He was leaving the party, when some one asked how soon they might expect him back?
"By midnight," he replied.
"And where shall we meet?"
"Here," said Madame de Blénal. "We will return into the house when Alfred is gone, for the air is getting cold, and it will not be prudent to sit here any longer."
Alfred then set out; and as soon as the sound of his horse's hoofs was heard, the young men pulled out their watches, that the precise length of his absence might be ascertained when he returned.
We will now leave Madame de Blénal to order supper for her party, and the remainder to amuse themselves with conversation, music, and such resources as her house afforded, while we accompany Alfred on his nocturnal excursion.
The moon had just begun to rise in full splendour above the mountains as he started, and to spread her silver light over the plain. This, together with the increasing freshness of the air, infused spirits into the rider as well as his horse. Notwithstanding, however, the knowledge which both of them possessed of the road they had to traverse, they scarcely reached the foot of the mountain within the time upon which Alfred had calculated. Here were situated two or three picturesque cottages, inhabited by guides, one of whom was known to Alfred by name. Him therefore he sought out, and engaged to conduct him to the object of his journey. The man was rather surprised at a summons so late in the evening, and asked the traveller whether he had not better wait at his cottage till daybreak.
"No," replied Alfred; "I only wish to go as far as the charcoal burner's hut, whose fire can be seen for some miles off, and I must return to where I came from before midnight."
"Ah! my friend Gervais. I know him well, sir. But it is a good way up the mountain, and if you have far to ride back, you will hardly keep to the time you have mentioned."