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Rh cranked the motor; and she moved slowly off in the direction of Paris. I had made a bundle of my prédicateur costume and carried it under my arm.

So back down the road I went and in through the big gates, which had been left open—though, the guests having all arrived, the footmen had gone up to the house. The place was a very handsome one, with a big park and straight alleys cut through the trees, with grottoes and fountains and statues—all very stately and well kept. Beyond the house one caught a glimpse of a jardin d'agrément, with a bank of crimson dahlias all in bloom and a sort of temple d'amour at the far end.

As I drew near the house I discovered that the stables were off to the left, and some distance in the rear, the waiting motors, both private cars and taxis, being parked out on the shady terrace. Some of the servants had brought out a couple of tables, and the chauffeurs were partaking of the refreshment offered. There was a good deal of tobacco smoke and the distant murmur of talk and laughter, but the house itself was silent, as if deserted; and this was explained by a file of waiters going in a double stream, like ants, down one of the paths which led off into the park. Apparently the déjeuner was being served al fresco some distance from the house. I stopped to listen, and heard the faint ripple of women's voices, then a silvery laugh.

Not a soul was in sight about the front of the chateau. Such servants as were not occupied in helping to serve were hobnobbing with the chauffeurs or on duty in the kitchen. Even the dogs were assist-