"Not even to hear a secret?"

"I hear a hundred every day."

"But this concerns the life of his majesty," said Poulain, in a low
voice.

"Oh! oh! then come into my cabinet."




CHAPTER XXVII.

THE REVELATION.


M. D'Epernon, in traversing the antechamber, addressed himself to one of
the gentlemen who stood there.

"What is your name, monsieur?" said he.

"Pertinax de Montcrabeau, monsieur."

"Well, M. de Montcrabeau, place yourself at that door, and let no one
enter."

"Yes, M. le Duc;" and M. Pertinax, who was sumptuously dressed, with a
blue satin doublet and orange stockings, obeyed. Nicholas Poulain