window where the two girls were concealed, "A message for
his royal highness," he said.

"Ah, ah!" cried the soldier. "Officer, a messenger!"

But this brave guard knew very well that no officer would
appear, seeing that the only one who could have appeared
dwelt at the other side of the castle, in an apartment
looking into the gardens. So he hastened to add: "The
officer, monsieur, is on his rounds, but in his absence, M.
de Saint-Remy, the maitre d'hotel shall be informed."

"M. de Saint-Remy?" repeated the cavalier, slightly
blushing.

"Do you know him?"

"Why, yes; but request him, if you please, that my visit be
announced to his royal highness as soon as possible."

"It appears to be pressing," said the guard, as if speaking
to himself, but really in the hope of obtaining an answer.

The messenger made an affirmative sign with his head.

"In that case," said the guard, "I will go and seek the
maitre d'hotel myself."

The young man, in the meantime, dismounted; and whilst the
others were making their remarks upon the fine horse the