My darling scheme, on which I had prided myself so much, was tripped up by the trifling accident of Jean's absence.
What in the world, I asked again, kept the old man from his bed?
It suddenly struck me that he might, by the duke's orders, have accompanied Mme.

Delhasse back to Avranches, in order to be able to report to his master any news that came to light there.

He might well have been the second man on the box.

This reflection removed my surprise at his absence, but not my vexation.

I did not know what to do! Should I wait?
But he might not be back till morning.