Roguccio obeyed; but made the sign of the Eye before ascending the carriage, and spent the journey murmuring prayers to Melcoeur, Elberette, and the Everlasting Smiley.
"You will order the carriage to be stopped at rue Vieilhomme-Willeau, 28," said the Count, fixing the intendant with a pitiless gaze. Roguccio backed away, breathing hard, his hand clutching at his wing; but he obeyed.
N° 28 was at the extremity of the village, whose hills were covered with mounds and standing stones in the style of Coton-Watteau, and in the midst a single stone, standing tall under the sun above, and at this hour casting no shadow. It was ancien-régime and yet somehow significant. Around it were located various hobbital cottages. N° 28 was built to resemble those old-fashioned rustic abodes that, in turn, imitate the holes of our remote ancestors; and that meant comfort. It had a roof of turf, round windows, and a round door. However, it was rather larger than the average cottage, as was not marvellous, given that it belonged to the Count of Monte Fato.
When they had arrived, the Count's valet descended and opened the gate.
"Eh bien, you do not descend, monsieur Roguccio?" said the Count. "You remain suspended in the air in my eagle-carriage? What the morgot are you thinking this evening?"
