"He was anxious to consult old Doctor Tavernier, who never goes out now, on the subject of his sick headaches.

Yes, you were not up, as he went off before seven o'clock.

But it'll be a change for him all the same." She broke off, exclaiming: "Why, what's making them stop on the bridge ?" The fact was the ladies and Fauchery and Daguenet were standing stock-still on the crown of the bridge.

They seemed to be hesitating as though some obstacle or other rendered them uneasy and yet the way lay clear before them.
"Go on!" cried the count.
They never moved and seemed to be watching the approach of something which the rest had not yet observed.

Indeed the road wound considerably and was bordered by a thick screen of poplar trees.