They should reach Quebec soon after dusk, all being well.

At first, Lapierre the official had been inclined to babble, but at last he relieved his mind by interjections only.

He kept shaking his head wisely, as though debating on great problems, and he drove his horses with a master-hand--he had once been a coach driver on that long river-road, which in summer makes a narrow ribbon of white, mile for mile with the St.Lawrence from east to west.

This was the proudest moment of his life.

He knew great things were at stake, and they had to do with the famous singer, Lajeunesse; and what tales for his grandchildren in years to come! The flushed and comfortable Madame Marie sat upright in the coach, holding the hand of her mistress, and Madelinette grew paler as the miles diminished between her and Quebec.