surprise, so fearful was she that Louise would in some way
commit herself.

"You don't know the news, then?" said Madame de Saint-Remy.

"What news, madame, is it possible for two girls to learn up
in this dove-cote?"

"What! have you seen nobody?"

"Madame, you talk in enigmas, and you torment us at a slow
fire!" cried Montalais, who, terrified at seeing Louise
become paler and paler, did not know to what saint to put up
her vows.

At length she caught an eloquent look of her companion's,
one of those looks which would convey intelligence to a
brick wall. Louise directed her attention to a hat --
Raoul's unlucky hat, which was set out in all its feathery
splendor upon the table.

Montalais sprang towards it, and, seizing it with her left
hand, passed it behind her into the right, concealing it as
she was speaking.

"Well," said Madame de Saint-Remy, "a courier has arrived,
announcing the approach of the king. There, mesdemoiselles;
there is something to make you put on your best looks."

"Quick, quick!" cried Montalais. "Follow Madame your mother,