rising from amid a grove of chestnut trees
betrayed the homestead of some farmer, and scattered over the gently
rolling plain, that extended as far as the eye could reach, great flocks
of sheep could be discerned, carefully guarded by shepherd and dog; the
former mounted on stilts, and looking very odd to those unaccustomed to
the shepherds of the Landes. On the southern horizon the snow-clad tops
of the more lofty peaks of the Pyrenees rose boldly into the clear sky,
with light wreaths of mist still clinging round them here and there.

Oxen travel slowly, especially over roads where at times the wheels sink
deep into the sand, and the sun was high above the horizon before they
had gone two leagues on their way. The baron, loath to fatigue his old
servant and poor Bayard, determined to bid adieu to them without further
delay; so he sprang lightly to the ground, put the bridle into Pierre's
trembling hand, and affectionately stroked the old pony's neck, as he
never failed to do when he dismounted. It was a painful moment. The
faithful servant had taken care of his young master from his infancy,
and he turned very pale as he said in faltering tones, "God bless and
keep your lordship. How I wish that I could go with you."

"And so do I, my good Pierre, but that is impossible. You must stay
and take care of the chateau for me; I could not bear to think of
it entirely abandoned, or in any other hands than yours, my faithful
friend! And besides, what would become of Bayard and Miraut and
Beelzebub, if you too deserted them?"

"You are right, master," answered Pierre, his eyes filling with tears as
he bade him farewell before he turned and led Bayard slowly back by the
road they had come. The old pony whinnied loudly as he left his master,
and long after he was out of sight could be heard at short intervals
calling out his adieux.

The poor young baron, left quite alone, stood for a moment with downcast
eyes, feeling very desolate and sad; then roused himself with an effort,
and hastened after the chariot. As he walked along beside it with a
sorrowful, preoccupied air, Isabelle complained of being tired of her
somewhat cramped position, and said that she would like to get down and
walk a little way for a change; her real motive being a kind wish to
endeavour to cheer up poor de Sigognac and make him forget his sad
thoughts. The shadow that had overspread his countenance passed away
entirely as he assisted Isabelle to alight