[CHAPTER IX.]
THE TOWER OF HEURTEBIZE.
Next morning at six o'clock Paul Solange opened the door of the château and stepped out on to the lawn. He held a sketch-book in his hand. He directed his steps along a narrow pathway, shaded by young elms, towards one of the gates of the park. At a turning in the alley he found himself face to face with Monsieur Roger, who was walking slowly and thoughtfully. Paul stopped, and in his surprise could not help saying,—
"Monsieur Roger, already up?"
Monsieur answered, smiling,—
"But you also, Master Paul, you are, like me, already up. Are you displeased to meet me?"
"Oh, no, sir," Paul hastened to say, blushing a little. "Why should I be displeased at meeting you?"
"Then, may I ask you where you are going so early in the morning?"
"Over there," said Paul, stretching his hand towards a high wooded hill: "over there to Heurtebize."
"And what are you going to do over there?"