She will be glad to see her own country again." The needful preparations were soon made, and the travelling party set off in high spirits.

The journey was rapid and delightful.

Relays of horses had been sent on in advance by Vallombreuse, so that in a few days they reached the point where the road leading to the Chateau de Sigognac branched off from the great post-road.

It was about two o'clock of a bright, warm afternoon when the carriage turned off the highway, and as they got, at the same moment, their first view of the chateau, de Sigognac could not believe the testimony of his own eyes--he was bewildered, dazzled, overwhelmed--he no longer recognised the familiar details which had been so deeply impressed upon his memory.

All was changed, as if by magic.