‘A sorry one, I fear, mademoiselle,’ interposed he, with a bow. ‘But I believe there are few circumstances in life where people are more willing to endure sacrifices.’ ‘Then monsieur has explained to you our position?’ said Laura, half blushing at the absurdity of the adventure. ‘Everything, my dear young lady--everything. Don’t let the thought give you any uneasiness, however. I listen to stranger stories every day. ‘Taste that Haut-Brion, _père_,’ said I, wishing to give the conversation a turn, as I saw Laura felt uncomfortable, ‘and give me your opinion of it. To my judgment it seems excellent.’ ‘And your judgment is unimpeachable in more respects than that,’ said the _père_, with a significant look, which fortunately was not seen by mademoiselle. Confound him, said I to myself; I must try another tack. ‘We were remarking, Père José, as we came along that very picturesque river, the Château de Bouvigne; a fine thing in its time, it must have been.’ ‘You know the story, I suppose?’ said the père. ‘Mademoiselle was relating it to me on the way, and indeed I am most anxious to hear the dénouement.’ ‘It was a sad one,’ said he slowly. ‘I’ll show you the spot where Henri fell--the stone that marks the place.’ ‘Oh, Père José,’ said Laura, ‘I must stop you--indeed I must--or the whole interest of my narrative will be ruined. You forget that monsieur has not heard the tale out.’ ‘Ah! _ma foi_, I beg pardon--a thousand pardons. Mademoiselle, then, knows Bouvigne?’ ‘I ‘ve been here once before, but only part of a morning. I ‘ve seen nothing but the outer court of the château and the _fosse du traître_.’ ‘So, so; you know it all, I perceive,’ said he, smiling pleasantly. ‘Are you too much fatigued for a walk that far?’ ‘Shall we have time?’ said Laura; ‘that’s the question.’ ‘Abundance of time. Jacob can’t be here for an hour yet, at soonest. And if you allow me, I’ll give all the necessary directions before we leave, so that you ‘ll not be delayed ten minutes on your return.’ While Laura went in search of her hat, I again proffered my thanks to the kind _père_ for all his good nature, expressing the strong desire I felt for some opportunity of requital. ‘Be happy,’ said the good man, squeezing my hand affectionately; ‘that’s the way you can best repay me.’ ‘It would not be difficult to follow the precept in your society, Père José,’ said I, overcome by the cordiality of the old man’s manner. ‘I have made a great many so, indeed,’ said he. ‘The five-and-thirty years I have lived in Bouvigne have not been without their fruit.’ Laura joined us here, and we took the way together towards the château, the priest discoursing all the way on the memorable features of the place, its remains of ancient grandeur, and the picturesque beauty of its site.