CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE STANZAS OF M. DE PROVENCE.
While these events were passing in Paris and in Versailles, the king, tranquil as usual, sat in his study, surrounded by maps and plans, and traced new paths for the vessels of La Pérouse.
A slight knock at his door roused him from his study, and a voice said, “May I come in, brother?”
“The Comte de Provence,” growled the king, discontentedly. “Enter.”
A short person came in.
“You did not expect me, brother?” he said.
“No, indeed.”
“Do I disturb you?”
“Have you anything particular to say?”
“Such a strange report——”