"In a red cloak?" said the King.
"In a red cloak," replied D'Alençon.
"And did you have any suspicions regarding this red cloak?"
D'Alençon rallied all his strength that he might lie as naturally as possible.
"At first sight," said he, "I must confess to your Majesty that I thought I recognized the red cloak of one of my gentlemen."
"What is the name of this gentleman?"
"Monsieur de la Mole."
"Why was not Monsieur de la Mole with you as his duty required him to be?"
"I had given him leave of absence," said the duke.
"That is well; now you may go," said Charles.