After wandering about there for a little he started to return, but was met near the outer gate by Sorais' train of chariots, which were galloping furiously along the great northern road.

When she caught sight of Alphonse, Sorais halted her train and called to him.

On approaching he was instantly seized and dragged into one of the chariots and carried off, 'crying out loudly', as our informant said, and as from my general knowledge of him I can well believe.
At first I was much puzzled to know what object Sorais could have had in carrying off the poor little Frenchman.

She could hardly stoop so low as to try to wreak her fury on one whom she knew was only a servant.

At last, however, an idea occurred to me.