"I beg your pardon," inquiringly observed a voice, in a tone of disappointment, the accent of which greatly surprised Chicot.
At the same moment the man who had opened the door drew back a step or two.
"Stay, I have made a mistake," said Chicot, "you were not my neighbor when I left, and yet I know who you are."
"And I know you too," said the young man.
"You are Monsieur le Vicomte Ernanton de Carmainges."
"And you are 'The Shade.'"
"Really," said Chicot, "I am quite bewildered."
"Well, and what do you want, monsieur?" inquired the young man, somewhat churlishly.
"Excuse me, but I am interrupting you, perhaps, my dear monsieur?"
"No, only you will allow me to ask you what you may want."