"If this billet should prove only a trap," said Madame Elizabeth.
"No, no," said the queen; "these characters have always indicated to me the presence of a mysterious but equally brave and faithful friend."
"Is it the Chevalier?" demanded Madame Royale.
"He himself," replied the queen.
Madame Elizabeth clasped her hands.
"Let us each read the billet again very softly," replied the queen, "so that if one of us forget any particular, another will remember."
They all three re-read the letter, and had just finished so doing, when they heard the door of their chamber turn slowly on its hinges. The two princesses turned round; the queen alone remained stationary, except that by an almost imperceptible movement she raised her hand to her hair and hid the billet in her head-dress. It was a municipal who opened the door.
"What is your business, Monsieur?" demanded Madame Elizabeth and Madame Royale, at the same moment.
"Hum!" said the municipal, "it appears to me that you retire very late to-night?"