"It is useless to deny a fact which I am aware of."
"Then permit me to repeat my question: what is the use of asking me about a project of which apparently you are so much better informed than I am?"
"I want the details."
"Ask your police, which reads even people's most secret thoughts."
"Hum, hum," said D'Argenson, in a tone which, in spite of Gaston's courage, made some impression on him, "what would you say if I asked news of your friend La Jonquiere?"
"I should say," replied Gaston, turning pale, "that I hope the same mistake has not been made about him as about me."
"Ah!" said D'Argenson, "that name touches you, I think—you know M. la Jonquiere?"
"I know him as a friend, recommended to me to show me Paris."
"Yes—Paris and its environs; the Palais Royal, the Rue du Bac, or La Muette: he was to show you all these, was he not?"
"They know all," thought Gaston.