telegraph for me; it will be nothing more than a sign from M. Duchâtel, or from M. Montalivet, transmitted to the prefect of Bayonne, mystified by two Greek words, têle , graphein . It is the insect with black claws, and the awful word which I wish to retain in my imagination in all its purity and all its importance.”
“Go then; for in the course of two hours it will be dark, and you will not be able to see anything.”
“Ma foi! you frighten me. Which is the nearest way? Bayonne?”
“Yes; the road to Bayonne.”
“And afterwards the road to Châtillon?”
“Yes.”
“By the tower of Montlhéry, you mean?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. Goodbye. On Saturday I will tell you my impressions concerning the telegraph.”
At the door the count was met by the two notaries, who had just completed the act which was to disinherit Valentine, and who were leaving under the conviction of having done a thing which could not fail of redounding considerably to their credit.