"Now," said Isabelle, "that we have seen everything here, we must go and
inspect the different pieces of property we have been able to buy back,
so as to reconstruct, as nearly as possible, the ancient barony of
Sigognac. I will leave you for a few moments, to go and put on my riding
habit; I shall not be long, for I learned to make changes of that sort
very rapidly in my old profession, you know. Will you, meantime, go and
select our horses, and order that they should be made ready?"
Vallombreuse accompanied de Sigognac to the stables, where they found
ten splendid horses contentedly munching their oats in their oaken
stalls. Everything was in perfect order, but ere the baron had time to
admire and praise, as he wished to do, a loud whinnying that was almost
deafening suddenly burst forth, as good old Bayard peremptorily claimed
his attention. Isabelle had long ago sent orders to the chateau that the
superannuated pony should always have the best place in the stable,
and be tenderly cared for. His manger was full of ground oats, which he
seemed to be enjoying with great gusto, and he evidently approved highly
of the new regime. In his stall Miraut lay sleeping, but the sound of
his master's voice aroused him, and he joyfully jumped up and came to
lick his hand, and claim the accustomed caress.
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