"I ask your pardon!" added he, "Madame is dressing."

Raoul had, no doubt, seen that what Planchet said was true, for he turned round to go downstairs again.

"Madame—" said Athos; "Oh! pardon me, Planchet, I did not know that you had upstairs—"

"It is Trüchen," added Planchet, blushing a little.

"It is whom you please, my good Planchet; but pardon my rudeness."

"No, no; go up now, gentlemen."

"We will do no such thing," said Athos.

"Oh! madame having notice, has had time—"

"No, Planchet; farewell!"

"Eh, gentlemen! you would not disoblige me; thus standing on the staircase, or by going away without having sat down."