“Does the Count Cagliostro live here?” asked Philippe.
“He is just going out.”
“The more reason to be quick, for I wish to speak to him first. Announce the Chevalier Philippe de Taverney;” and he followed the men up-stairs.
“Ask him to walk in,” said, from within, a voice at once manly and gentle.
“Excuse me, sir,” said the chevalier to a man whom we have already seen, first at the table of M. de Richelieu, then at the exhibition of M. Mesmer, in Oliva’s room, and with her at the Opera ball.
“For what, sir?” replied he.
“Because I prevent you from going out.”
“You would have needed an excuse had you been much later, for I was waiting for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes, I was forewarned of your visit.”