"Monsieur de la Mole," said she, "can you tell me who is on guard to-day at Monsieur d'Alençon's?"
"Coconnas, madame," said La Mole.
"Try to find out for me from him if he admitted to his master's room a man covered with mud, who apparently had a long or hasty ride."
"Ah, madame, I fear he will not tell me; for several days he has been very taciturn."
"Indeed! But by giving him this note, it seems to me that he will owe you something in exchange."
"From the duchess! Oh, with this note I will try."
"Add," said Marguerite, lowering her voice, "that this note will serve him as a means of gaining entrance this evening to the house you know about."
"And I, madame," said La Mole, in a low tone, "what shall be mine?"
"Give your name. That will be enough."
"Give me the note, madame," said La Mole, with throbbing heart, "I will bring back the answer."