Then, as if to know whether the character and mind and speech of the bailiff harmonized with his form and countenance, he turned to Michaud and said:-- "I was out early this morning, and found your under-keepers still sleeping." "At what hour ?" said the late soldier, anxiously.
"Half-past seven." Michaud gave a half-roguish glance at the general.
"By what gate did monsieur leave the park ?" he asked.
"By the gate of Conches.

The keeper, in his night-shirt, looked at me through the window," replied Blondet.
"Gaillard had probably just gone to bed," answered Michaud.

"You said you were out early, and I thought you meant day-break.

If my man were at home at that time, he must have been ill; but at half-past seven he was sure to be in bed.

We are up all night," added Michaud, after a slight pause, replying to a surprised look on the countess's face, "but our watchfulness is often wasted.