Part 157 (1/2)
”Return instantly. It appears to me that the news you bear is worth the trouble of a little diligence.”
”My chaise broke down coming into Lilliers.”
”Capital!”
”What, CAPITAL?”
”Yes, I want your chaise.”
”And how shall I travel, then?”
”On horseback.”
”You talk very comfortably,--a hundred and eighty leagues!”
”What's that?”
”One can do it! Afterward?”
”Afterward? Why, in pa.s.sing through Lilliers you will send me your chaise, with an order to your servant to place himself at my disposal.”
”Well.”
”You have, no doubt, some order from the cardinal about you?”
”I have my FULL POWER.”
”Show it to the abbess, and tell her that someone will come and fetch me, either today or tomorrow, and that I am to follow the person who presents himself in your name.”
”Very well.”
”Don't forget to treat me harshly in speaking of me to the abbess.”
”To what purpose?”
”I am a victim of the cardinal. It is necessary to inspire confidence in that poor little Madame Bonacieux.”
”That's true. Now, will you make me a report of all that has happened?”
”Why, I have related the events to you. You have a good memory; repeat what I have told you. A paper may be lost.”
”You are right; only let me know where to find you that I may not run needlessly about the neighborhood.”
”That's correct; wait!”
”Do you want a map?”
”Oh, I know this country marvelously!”
”You? When were you here?”