"I will convince you," said Saint-Aignan, "that I have received nothing in any way from him." And he rang the bell. "Basque," he said to the servant who entered, "how many letters or notes were sent here during my absence?"
"Three, Monsieur le Comte—a note from M. de Fiesque, one from Madame de Laferte, and a letter from M. de las Fuentes."
"Is that all?"
"Yes, Monsieur le Comte."
"Speak the truth before this gentleman—the truth, you understand. I will take care you are not blamed."
"There was a note, also, from—from—"
"Well, from whom?"
"From Mademoiselle de Laval—"
"That is quite sufficient," interrupted Porthos. "I believe you, Monsieur le Comte."
Saint-Aignan dismissed the valet, and followed him to the door, in order to close it after him; and when he had done so, looking straight before him, he happened to see in the keyhole of the adjoining apartment the paper which Bragelonne had slipped in there as he left. "What is this?" he said.