The day passed without questions and without apparent anxiety; besides, it was already late when the two gentlemen returned.
At dinner, to Edouard's great delight, another hunt was proposed, and it furnished a topic for conversation during dinner and part of the evening.

By ten o'clock, as usual, all had retired to their rooms, except Roland, who was in that of Sir John.
The difference of character showed itself markedly in the preparations of the two men.

Roland had made them joyously, as if for a pleasure trip; Sir John made his gravely, as if for a duel.

He loaded his pistols with the utmost care and put them into his belt English fashion.

And, instead of a cloak, which might have impeded his movements, he wore a top-coat with a high collar put on over his other coat.
At half-past ten the pair left the house with the same precautions that Roland had observed when alone.