The man rattled some money in his pocket, and said:
“I come to pay for the thousand copies sent for by M. le Comte de Cagliostro.”
“Oh, come in!”
A young and handsome man, who had advanced just behind him, stopped him as he was about to shut the door, and followed him in.
Aldegonde ran to her master. “Come,” said she, “here is the money for the thousand copies.”
He went directly, and the man, taking out a small bag, paid down one hundred six-franc pieces.
Reteau counted them and gave a receipt, smiling graciously on the man, and said, “Tell the Count de Cagliostro that I shall always be at his orders, and that I can keep a secret.”
“There is no need,” replied the man; “M. de Cagliostro is independent. He does not believe in magnetism, and wishes to make people laugh at M. Mesmer—that is all.”
“Good!” replied another voice; “we will see if we cannot turn the laugh against M. de Cagliostro;” and M. Reteau, turning, saw before him the young man we mentioned.
His glance was menacing; he had his left hand on the hilt of his sword, and a stick in his right.