Lilian, also in her best frock, came down the school-steps, and
three of the school teachers came with her. It would have added to
Mrs. Thompson's happiness at that moment if M. Lacordaire would have
kept his polished boots out of sight, and put his yellow gloves into
his pocket.

And then they started. The road from Le Puy to Polignac is nearly
all up hill; and a very steep hill it is, so that there was plenty
of time for conversation. But the girls had it nearly all to
themselves. Mimmy thought that she had never found M. Lacordaire so
stupid; and Lilian told her sister on the first safe opportunity
that occurred, that it seemed very much as though they were all
going to church.

"And do any of the Polignac people ever live at this place?" asked
Mrs. Thompson, by way of making conversation; in answer to which M.
Lacordaire informed madame that the place was at present only a
ruin; and then there was again silence till they found themselves
under the rock, and were informed by the driver that the rest of the
ascent must be made on foot.

The rock now stood abrupt and precipitous above their heads. It was
larger in its circumference and with much larger space on its summit
than those other volcanic rocks in and close to the town; but then
at the same time it was higher from the ground, and quite as
inaccessible, except by the single path which led up to the chateau.

M. Lacordaire, with conspicuous gallantry, first assisted Mrs.
Thompson from the carriage, and then handed down the two young