"And is this all you ask?"
"All."
"But do you not ask anything for the service which you have just rendered France?"
"Indeed, monsieur, I should like permission to let my ward Bathilde know that she may be easy on my account, and that I am a prisoner at the Palais Royal. I would also ask—if it would not be imposing upon your kindness too much—that she might be allowed to pay me a little visit, but, if this second request is indiscreet, I will confine myself to the first."
"We will do better than that; the causes for which you were retained exist no more, and we are going to set you at liberty; so you can go yourself to carry the news to Bathilde."
"What, monsieur, what!" cried Buvat; "am I, then, no longer a prisoner?"
"You can go when you like."
"Monsieur, I am your very humble servant, and I have the honor of presenting you my respects."
"Pardon, Monsieur Buvat, one word more."——"Two, monsieur."
"I repeat to you that France is under obligations to you, which she will acquit. Write, then, to the regent, inform him of what is due to you, show him your situation, and if you have a particular desire for anything, say so boldly. I guarantee that he will grant your request."