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266 château (he pronounced it "chattoe") before us. Our train does n't leave for more than an hour, and it 's a very slow one. Still, it will be warm, and we have cards and Tauchnitz novels. Then, you know, you can unload the luggage at the château and run back to the railway station at Clermont-Ferrand, see to having our big boxes sent out (they 'll be there waiting for us) and meet our train. What do you think of the plan?"

"It ought to do very well—if I 'm not delayed on the road by snow."

"Do you expect to be?"

"I hope not. But it's possible."

"Well, her ladyship has made up her mind, and we must risk it. I 'll trust you to get out of any scrape."

The chauffeur smiled. "I 'll try not to get into one," he said. "And I 'd better be off—unless you have further instructions?"

"Only the receipt for the luggage. Here it is," said Sir Samuel. "And here are the keys for you, Elise. Her ladyship wants you to have everything unpacked by the time she arrives. Oh—and the rugs! We shall need them in the train."

"Isn't mademoiselle going with you?" asked my brother, showing surprise at last.

"No. Her mistress thinks it would be better for her to have everything ready for us at the 'chattoe.' You see, it will be almost dinner-time when we get there."

"But, sir, if the car's delayed ⸺"

"Well," cut in Sir Samuel, "we must chance it, I 'm afraid. The fact is, her ladyship is in such a nervous state that I don't care to put any more doubts into her