might have thought nothing of the matter before my suspicions
were aroused--since any man might visit such a place out of
curiosity--now, my mind being disturbed, I was quick to conceive
the worst, and saw with horror my beloved master already
destroyed through my carelessness. I questioned La Trape in a
fury, but could learn nothing more. He had seen the man slip
out, and that was all.

"But did you not go in yourself?" I said, restraining my
impatience with difficulty.

"Afterwards? Yes, my lord."

"And made no discovery?"

He shook his head.

"Was anything prepared for his Majesty?"

"There was sherbet; and some water."

"You tried them?"

La Trape grinned. "No, my lord," he said. "But I gave some to
Maignan."

"Not explaining?"

"No, my lord."