“I think,” replied the marquis, “that it would be an excellent selection, for I do not suppose there is one in this neighbourhood to compare to her.” “I have a great mind to send for her at once, and to keep her about the countess, whose constitution she will be all the better acquainted with if she studies it beforehand. Do you know where I can send for her?” “Faith,” said the marquis, “she lives in a village, but I don’t know which.” “But at least you know her name?” “I can hardly remember it. Louise Boyard, I think, or Polliard, one or the other.” “How! have you not even retained the name?” “I heard the story, that’s all. Who the deuce can keep a name in his head which he hears in such a chance fashion?” “But did the condition of the countess never occur to you?” “It was so far away that I did not suppose you would send such a distance. I thought you were already provided.” “How can we set about to find her?” “If that is all, I have a servant who knows people in that part of the country, and who knows how to go about things: if you like, he shall go in quest of her.” “If I like? This very moment.” The same evening the servant started on his errand with the count’s instructions, not forgetting those of his master. He went at full speed. It may readily be supposed that he had not far to seek the woman he was to bring back with him; but he purposely kept away for three days, and at the end of this time Louise Goillard was installed in the chateau. She was a woman of plain and severe exterior, who at once inspired confidence in everyone. The plots of the marquis and Madame de Bouille thus throve with most baneful success; but an accident happened which threatened to nullify them, and, by causing a great disaster, to prevent a crime. The countess, passing into her apartments, caught her foot in a carpet, and fell heavily on the floor. At the cries of a footman all the household was astir. The countess was carried to bed; the most intense alarm prevailed; but no bad consequences followed this accident, which produced only a further succession of visits from the neighbouring gentry. This happened about the end of the seventh month.