de Berensac's depression, for the middle of the next day found us at Avranches, and we spent the afternoon wandering about somewhat aimlessly and staring across the bay at the mass of Mont St.Michel.

Directly beneath us as we stood on the hill, and lying in a straight line with the Mount, there was a large square white house, on the very edge of the stretching sand.

We were told that it was a convent.
"But the whole place is no livelier than one," said I, yawning.

"My dear fellow, why don't we go on ?" "It is right for you to see this interesting town," answered Gustave gravely, but with a merry gleam in his eye.

"However, I have ordered a carriage, so be patient." "For what time ?" "Nine o'clock, when we have dined." "We are to get there in the dark, then ?" "What reason is there against that ?" he asked, smiling.
"None," said I; and I went to pack up my bag.
In my room I chanced to find a _femme-de-chambre_.