“Be it so, then; let Malicorne arrange matters with you in the best way he can; I pass over,” said Manicamp. And bending down the famous branch against which he had directed such bitter complaints, he succeeded, by the assistance of his hands and feet, in seating himself side by side with Montalais, who tried to push him back, while he endeavored to maintain his position, and, moreover, he succeeded. Having taken possession of the ladder, he stepped on it, and then gallantly offered his hand to his fair antagonist. While this was going on, Malicorne had installed himself in the chestnut-tree, in the very place Manicamp had just left, determining within himself to succeed him in the one he now occupied. Manicamp and Montalais descended a few rounds of the ladder, Manicamp insisting, and Montalais laughing and objecting. Suddenly Malicorne’s voice was heard in tones of entreaty: “I entreat you, Mademoiselle Montalais, not to leave me here. My position is very insecure, and some accident will be certain to befall me, if I attempt unaided to reach the other side of the wall; it does not matter if Manicamp tears his clothes, for he can make use of M. de Guiche’s wardrobe; but I shall not be able to use even those belonging to M. Manicamp, for they will be torn.” “My opinion,” said Manicamp, without taking any notice of Malicorne’s lamentations, “is that the best thing to be done is to go and look for De Guiche without delay, for, by and by, perhaps, I may not be able to get to his apartments.” “That is my own opinion, too,” replied Montalais; “so, go at once, Monsieur Manicamp.” “A thousand thanks. Adieu Mademoiselle Montalais,” said Manicamp, jumping to the ground; “your condescension cannot be repaid.” “Farewell, M. Manicamp; I am now going to get rid of M. Malicorne.” Malicorne sighed. Manicamp went away a few paces, but returning to the foot of the ladder, he said, “By the by, how do I get to M. de Guiche’s apartments?” “Nothing easier. You go along by the hedge until you reach a place where the paths cross.” “Yes.” “You will see four paths.” “Exactly.” “One of which you will take.” “Which of them?” “That to the right.” “That to the right?” “No, to the left.” “The deuce!” “No, no, wait a minute--” “You do not seem to be quite sure. Think again, I beg.” “You take the middle path.” “But there are _four_.” “So there are. All I know is, that one of the four paths leads straight to Madame’s apartments; and that one I am well acquainted with.” “But M. de Guiche is not in Madame’s apartments, I suppose?” “No, indeed.” “Well, then the path which leads to Madame’s apartments is of no use to me, and I would willingly exchange it for the one that leads to where M. de Guiche is lodging.” “Of course, and I know that as well; but as for indicating it from where we are, it is quite impossible.” “Well, let us suppose that I have succeeded in finding that fortunate path.”