on Bussy's ear. Then he heard a woman's voice, expressive at
once of fear and disdain, saying:

"Here I am, monsieur, what do you want now?"

"Madame," replied the man, "I have the honor of telling you that,
forced to set off to-morrow morning for Fontainebleau, I come
to pass the night with you."

"Do you bring me news of my father?"

"Madame, listen to me----"

"Monsieur, you know what we agreed yesterday, when I consented
to become your wife, that, before all things, either my father
should come to Paris, or I should go to him."

"Madame, as soon as I return from Fontainebleau, I give you my
word of honor, but meanwhile----"

"Oh! monsieur, do not close the door, it is useless; I will not
pass a single night under the same roof with you until you bring
me my father." And the lady, who spoke, thus, whistled through a
silver whistle, which was then the manner of calling servants.

Immediately the door opened, and a young, vigorous-looking girl
entered. As she went in, she left the door open, which threw
a strong light into the room where Bussy was hid, and between
the two windows he saw the portrait. Bussy now crept noiselessly
along to where he could peep into the room. However carefully he