They had thought of everything, and made every possible
arrangement for our comfort. I had scarcely time to glance round
me before we were on the platform in front of a train, which was
ready to start. I perceived the very carriage that had brought us
to the station already fastened on a low open truck, and I was
advancing to climb into it, when M. de Chalusse stopped me. 'Not
there,' said he, 'come with me.' I followed him, and he led me to
a magnificent saloon carriage, much higher and roomier than the
others, and emblazoned with the Chalusse coat-of-arms. 'This is
our carriage, dear Marguerite, he said. I got in. The whistle
sounded; and the train started off."
Mademoiselle Marguerite was growing very tired. Big drops of
perspiration stood out on her forehead, she panted for breath, and
her voice began to fail her.
The magistrate was almost frightened. "Pray rest a little,
mademoiselle," he entreated, "there is no hurry."
But she shook her head and replied: "It is better to go on. I
should never have courage to begin again if I paused." And
thereupon she continued: "I had never gone farther than
Versailles. This journey was at first as delightful as a glimpse
into fairy-land. Our carriage was one of those costly whims which
some millionaires indulge in. It consisted of a central saloon--a
perfect chef-d'oeuvre of taste and luxury--with two compartments
at either end, furnished with comfortable sleeping accommodation.
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