"May I jump up
behind?"
Colonel Raynal nodded assent. Edouard took a run, and lighted like a
monkey on the horse's crupper. He pranced and kicked at this unexpected
addition; but the spur being promptly applied to his flanks, he bounded
off with a snort that betrayed more astonishment than satisfaction, and
away they cantered to Beaurepaire, without drawing rein.
"There," said Edouard, "I was afraid they would be gone to bed; and they
are. The very house seems asleep--fancy--at half-past ten."
"That is a pity," said Raynal, "for this chateau is the stronghold of
etiquette. They will be two hours dressing before they will come out and
shake hands. I must put my horse into the stable. Go you and give the
alarm."
"I will, colonel. Stop, first let me see whether none of them are up,
after all."
And Edouard walked round the chateau, and soon discovered a light at one
window, the window of the tapestried room. Running round the other
way he came slap upon another light: this one was nearer the ground. A
narrow but massive door, which he had always seen not only locked but
screwed up, was wide open; and through the aperture the light of a
candle streamed out and met the moonlight streaming in.
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