CHAPTER XII.
COMBOURG.
A letter from the Viscount Vesin was to gain us entrance to the castle.
So as soon as we arrived, we called on the steward, M.Corvesier.

They ushered us into a large kitchen where a young lady in black, marked by smallpox and wearing horn spectacles over her prominent eyes, was stemming currants.

The kettle was on the fire and they were crushing sugar with bottles.

It was evident that we were intruding.

After several minutes had elapsed, we were informed that M.Corvesier was confined to his bed with a fever and was very sorry that he could not be of any service to us, but sent us his regards.