the fact, as that would have been derogatory to his dignity,
but he listened with all his ears for the noise of the lock,
which would promise him at least an appearance of secrecy.

The doors being closed, Monsieur raised his eyes towards the
vicomte, and said, "It appears that you come from Paris,
monsieur?"

"This minute, monseigneur."

"How is the king?"

"His majesty is in perfect health, monseigneur."

"And my sister-in-law?"

"Her majesty the queen-mother still suffers from the
complaint in her chest, but for the last month she has been
rather better."

"Somebody told me you came on the part of M. le Prince. They
must have been mistaken, surely?"

"No, monseigneur; M. le Prince has charged me to convey this
letter to your royal highness, and I am to wait for an
answer to it."

Raoul had been a little annoyed by this cold and cautious
reception, and his voice insensibly sank to a low key.