Some of the peasants, chancing to look back, had seen the lamps of Mlle.

de Courtornieu's carriage gleaming in the darkness.
It came rapidly onward, and soon overtook them.

The peasants recognized the coachman's livery, and greeted the vehicle with shouts of derision.
M.de Courtornieu, by his avariciousness, had made even more enemies than the Duc de Sairmeuse; and all the peasants who thought they had more or less reason to complain of his extortions were delighted at this opportunity to frighten him.
For, that they were not thinking of vengeance, is conclusively proved by the sequel.
Hence great was their disappointment when, on opening the carriage-door, they saw within the vehicle only Mlle.

Blanche and Aunt Medea, who uttered the most piercing shrieks.
But Mlle.

de Courtornieu was a brave woman.
"Who are you ?" she demanded, haughtily, "and what do you desire ?" "You will know to-morrow," replied Chanlouineau.