A walk will clear our heads."
The sky was overcast, and as it grew darker and darker Ambroise, going to
the window, exclaimed: "You will get wet."
"Oh! the rain has been threatening ever since this morning, but we shall
have time to get to the works."
It was then understood that Constance should take Charlotte with her in
the brougham and set her down at the door of the little pavilion
adjoining the factory. As for Valentine, she was in no hurry and could
quietly return to the Avenue d'Antin, which was close by, as soon as the
sky might clear. And with regard to Marianne and Mathieu, they had just
yielded to Andree's affectionate entreaties, and had arranged to spend
the whole day and dine there, returning to Chantebled by the last train.
Thus the fete would be complete, and the young couple were enraptured at
the prospect.
The departure of the others was enlivened by a curious incident, a
mistake which Constance made, and which seemed very comical amid all the
mirth promoted by the copious lunch. She had turned towards Denis, and,
looking at him with her pale eyes, she quietly asked him "Blaise, my
friend, will you give me my boa? I must have left it in the ante-room.
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