They dismounted and tied their horses outside the gate. "Run to the
Chateau, Marcele, without making the least noise," said Bigot.
"Call none of the servants, but rap gently at the door of Dame
Tremblay. Bid her rise instantly, without waking any one. Say the
Intendant desires to see her. I expect guests from the city."
The porter returned with the information that Dame Tremblay had got
up and was ready to receive his Excellency.
Bidding old Marcele take care of the horses, they walked across the
lawn to the Chateau, at the door of which stood Dame Tremblay,
hastily dressed, courtesying and trembling at this sudden summons to
receive the Intendant and Sieur Cadet.
"Good night, dame!" said Bigot, in a low tone, "conduct us instantly
to the grand gallery."
"Oh, your Excellency!" replied the dame, courtesying, "I am your
humble servant at all times, day and night, as it is my duty and my
pleasure to serve my master!"
"Well, then!" returned Bigot, impatiently, "let us go in and make no
noise."
The three, Dame Tremblay leading the way with a candle in each hand,
passed up the broad stair and into the gallery communicating with
the apartments of Caroline.
Pages:
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863