His convalescence will be much more rapid there, than here
in this cramped and narrow loft, where we are obliged to conceal him
now, and where he is really suffering for light and air."
So it was decided that Father Poignot should accompany Marie-Anne to the
frontier that very night; there she would take the diligence that
ran between Piedmont and Montaignac, passing through the village of
Sairmeuse.
It was with the greatest care that the abbe dictated to Marie-Anne the
story she was to tell of her sojourn in foreign lands. All that she
said, and all her answers to questions must tend to prove that Baron
d'Escorval was concealed near Turin.
The plan was carried out in every particular; and the next day, about
eight o'clock, the people of Sairmeuse were greatly astonished to see
Marie-Anne alight from the diligence.
"Monsieur Lacheneur's daughter has returned!"
The words flew from lip to lip with marvellous rapidity, and soon all
the inhabitants of the village were gathered at the doors and windows.
They saw the poor girl pay the driver, and enter the inn, followed by a
boy bearing a small trunk.
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