He had changed the current from a
dangerous channel.
It was the marquis who opened the door for the ladies; it was the
marquis who said good night with an inflection which gave it a new
meaning; it was the marquis who intruded into madame's thoughts,
causing her partly to forget the letter and the broken sentence of
D'Herouville's.
"What an extraordinary man he is, that marquis!" was Anne's comment as
they mounted the stairs.
"Monsieur le Chevalier has yet a good deal to learn from his father.
See the moon, Anne; how beautiful it is!"
"Your Excellency," began the marquis, resuming his seat, "where may I
find Monsieur le Comte d'Herouville this evening?"
"I am at a loss to say," was the reply, "unless he is at the hospital,
which I understand he left this day."
"He is not here at the chateau, then?"
"Not at my invitation," tersely. "I will, however, undertake to find
him for you."
"I shall be grateful."
So the governor despatched an orderly, who returned within half an hour
with the information that Monsieur le Comte was waiting in the
citadel's parade. The marquis rose.
"Monsieur, my thanks; your Excellency will excuse me, as I have
something important to say to Monsieur d'Herouville.
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