"Bring them up, Monsieur l'Hote."

Florimond looked at him in surprise.

"Oh, by all means, if monsieur wishes it," said he, with a fine
irony.

Garnache looked at him, then back at the hesitating host.

"You have heard," said he coolly. "Bring them up."

"Bien, monsieur," replied the host, withdrawing and closing the door
after him.

"Your interference in my affairs grows really droll, monsieur,"
said the Marquis tartly.

"When you shall have learned to what purpose I am interfering,
you'll find it, possibly, not quite so droll," was the answer, no
less tart. "We have but a moment, monsieur. Listen while I tell
you the nature of their errand."




CHAPTER XXI

THE GHOST IN THE CUPBOARD