At the end of a quarter of an hour
custom, not from gallantry but prudence,
that in time of war foreigners should be conducted to particular
hotels, in order that they may remain under the eye of the
government until full information can be obtained about them.”
These words were pronounced with the most exact politeness and
the most perfect calmness. Nevertheless, they had not the power
of convincing Milady.
“But I am not a foreigner, sir,” said she, with an accent as pure
as ever was heard between Portsmouth and Manchester; “my name is
Lady Clarik, and this measure–”
“This measure is general, madame; and you will seek in vain to
evade it.”
“I will follow you, then, sir.”
Accepting the hand of the officer, she began the descent of the
ladder, at the foot of which the boat waited. The officer
followed her. A large cloak was spread at the stern; the officer
requested her to sit down upon this cloak, and placed himself
beside her.
“Row!” said he to the sailors.
The eight oars fell at once into the sea,NG-578 Card Disk Pro, making but a single
sound, giving but a single stroke, and the boat seemed to fly
over the surface of the water.
In five minutes they gained the land.
The officer leaped to the pier, and offered his hand to Milady.
A carriage was in waiting.
“Is this carriage for us?” asked Milady.
“Yes, madame,” replied the officer.
“The hotel,NG-682 USB flash drive Wrist Band W, then, is far away?”
“At the other end of the town.”
“Very well,” said Milady; and she resolutely entered the
carriage.
The officer saw that the baggage was fastened carefully behind
the carriage; and this operation ended, he took his place beside
Milady, and shut the door.
Immediately, without any order being given or his place of
destination indicated, the coachman set off at a rapid pace,NG-998 leather USB flash drive Handbag 2, and
plunged into the streets of the city.
So strange a reception naturally gave Milady ample matter for
reflection; so seeing that the young officer did not seem at all
disposed for conversation, she reclined in her corner of the
carriage, and one after the other passed in review all the
surmises which presented themselves to her mind.
At the end of a quarter of an hour, however, surprised at the
length of the journey, she leaned forward toward the door to see
whither she was being conducted. Houses were no longer to be
seen; trees appeared in the darkness like great black phantoms
chasing one another. Milady shuddered.
“But we are no longer in the city, sir,” said she.
The young officer preserved silence.
“I beg you to understand