"I do not know; they talked so loudly that some passers-by approached, and asked if you were really coming. They were about to reply, when a man approached, whom I think was De Loignac, and touched them on the shoulder. He said some words in a low voice, and they looked submissive, and accompanied him, so that I know no more; but be on your guard."
"You did not follow them?"
"Yes, but from afar. They went toward the Louvre, and disappeared behind the Hotel des Meubles."
"I have a very simple method of reply," said the duke.
"What?"
"To go and pay my respects to the king to-night."
"To the king?"
"Certainly; I have come to Paris—he can have nothing to say against that."
"The idea is good," said Mayneville.
"It is imprudent," said the duchess.