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68 But this bit of character-reading was lost. Slow but sure, the Mother Superior was at our elbows.

“Adieu, Mr. Aycon,” said she.

I felt sure that she must manage the nuns admirably.

“Adieu!” said I, as though there was nothing else to be said.

“Adieu!” said the duchess, as though she would have liked to say something else.

And all in a moment I was through the gateway and crossing the paddock. But the duchess ran to the gate, crying:

“Mind you come again to-morrow!”

My expedition consumed nearly two hours; and one o’clock struck from the tower of the church as I slowly climbed the hill, feeling (I must admit it) that the rest of the day would probably be rather dull. Just as I reached the top, however, I came plump on Mlle. Delhasse, who appeared to be taking a walk. She bowed to me slightly and coldly. Glad that she was so distant (for I did not like her looks), I returned her salute, and pursued my way to the hotel. In the porch of it stood the waiter—my friend who had taken such an obliging view of my movements the night before. Directly he saw me, he came out into the road to meet me.

“Are you acquainted with the ladies who have rooms on the first floor?” he asked with an air of mystery.

“I met them here for the first time,” said I.

I believe he doubted me; perhaps waiters are bred to suspicion by the things they see.