Luna : a novel by Delacorta, 1945-

of the chateau and its environs, a ground plan, an inventory of the furniture and furnishings. The chateau was located in the middle of seventy acres of fenced-in land. The main building was ready for him to move in. The price seemed reasonable: only two million, three hundred thousand francs. "It's a dream," Delaborde said. "And it's isolated, isn't it? Exactly what I wanted." He smiled, exposing long, slightly pointed teeth. "Do you want any remodeling done before you move in?" "Yes, but nothing major. The main thing will be to redo the attic. According to the blueprints it seems to have been used as a library. I'll want a large skylight cut into the roof so that the entire room is bathed in moonlight. And I'll need an electronic security system. There are a few other minor changes, but I can take care of them once I've moved in." "Fine. Then I'll have the real-estate agent draw up a bill of sale. Now, for the most important part: your change of identity. I'll give you the address of a man who does that sort of work; he'll make you a new passport, driver's license, credit cards and so forth. Could you go see him tonight? He's waiting for you." Delaborde was feverish with excitement. The idea of being anonymous, and more than slightly outside the law, was very stimulating. "Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Alcan asked. "You'll have to live completely removed from the world. You won't be able to leave the chateau: it will be too dangerous to appear in public." "I'm sick