The Queen's Necklace. Alexandre Dumas

move?"

      "No; pray remain in the coach."

      "You cannot walk alone at this time of night; it is impossible."

      "Now, you see," said the elder lady, gaily, "after almost refusing to oblige us, you wish to be too obliging."

      "But, madame——"

      "Sir, remain to the end a loyal and gallant cavalier; we thank you, M. de Charney, with all our hearts, and will not even ask your word——"

      "To do what, madame?"

      "To shut the door, and order the man to drive back to Paris, without even looking where we go, which you will do, will you not?"

      "I will obey you, madame; coachman, back again." And he put a second louis into the man's hand, who joyfully set off on his return.

      The young man sighed, as he took his place on the cushions which the unknown ladies had just occupied.

      They remained motionless till the coach was out of sight, and then took their way towards the castle.