The moment the curved
end of the old triangular hat and the captain's epaulets were seen by
the occupants of the carriage, a voice of angelic sweetness said:
"Monsieur l'officier, will you have the kindness to tell us at what
part of the road we now are?"
There is some inexpressible charm in the question of an unknown
traveller, if a woman,--a world of adventure is in every word; but if
the woman asks for assistance or information, proving her weakness or
ignorance of certain things, every man is inclined to construct some
impossible tale which shall lead to his happiness. The words,
"Monsieur l'officier," and the polite tone of the question stirred the
captain's heart in a manner hitherto unknown to him. He tried to
examine the lady, but was cruelly disappointed, for a jealous veil
concealed her features; he could barely see her eyes, which shone
through the gauze like onyx gleaming in the sunshine.
"You are now three miles from Alencon, madame," he replied.
"Alencon! already!" and the lady threw herself, or, rather, she gently
leaned back in the carriage, and said no more.
"Alencon?" said the other woman, apparently waking up; "then you'll
see it again."
She caught sight of the captain and was silent. Merle, disappointed in
his hope of seeing the face of the beautiful incognita, began to
examine that of her companion.
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