set off, and left the chateau by the same gate, close to which we may
remember to have seen Montalais and Malicorne together. The night, as if
to counteract the extreme heat of the day, had gathered the clouds
together in masses which were moving slowly along from the west to the
east. The vault above, without a clear spot anywhere visible, or without
the faintest indication of thunder, seemed to hang heavily over the
earth, and soon began, by the force of the wind, to split into streamers,
like a huge sheet torn to shreds. Large and warm drops of rain began to
fall heavily, and gathered the dust into globules, which rolled along the
ground. At the same time, the hedges, which seemed conscious of the
approaching storm, the thirsty plants, the drooping branches of the
trees, exhaled a thousand aromatic odors, which revived in the mind
tender recollections, thoughts of youth, endless life, happiness, and
love. "How fresh the earth smells," said De Wardes; "it is a piece of
coquetry to draw us to her."

"By the by," replied De Guiche, "several ideas have just occurred to me;
and I wish to have your opinion upon them."

"Relative to - "

"Relative to our engagement."

"It is quite some time, in fact, that we should begin to arrange matters."

"Is it to be an ordinary combat, and conducted according to established
custom?"

"Let me first know what your established custom is."