Madame has a kind heart. You can go to-morrow by the train which
leaves Aix at 1.52 and arrives at Chambery at nine minutes after
two.'"

Hanaud started.

"'I was right, Alphonse.' Were those her words? And 'Madame has a
kind heart.' Come, come, what is all this?" He lifted a warning
finger and said gravely, "Be very careful, Servettaz."

"Those were her words, monsieur."

"'I was right, Alphonse. Madame has a kind heart'?"

"Yes, monsieur."

"Then Mlle. Celie had spoken to you before about this visit of
yours to Chambery," said Hanaud, with his eyes fixed steadily upon
the chauffeur's face. The distress upon Servettaz's face
increased. Suddenly Hanaud's voice rang sharply. "You hesitate.
Begin at the beginning. Speak the truth, Servettaz!"

"Monsieur, I am speaking the truth," said the chauffeur. "It is
true I hesitate ... I have heard this morning what people are
saying ... I do not know what to think. Mlle. Celie was always
kind and thoughtful for me ... But it is true"--and with a kind of
desperation he went on--"yes, it is true that it was Mlle. Celie
who first suggested to me that I should ask for a day to go to
Chambery."