“Admit him at once,” said Raoul, eagerly.
Malicorne entered as brilliant as a star, and wearing a superb sword at his side. After having saluted Raoul most gracefully, he said: “M. de Bragelonne, I am the bearer of a thousand compliments from a lady to you.”
Raoul colored. “From a lady,” said he, “from a lady of Blois?”
“Yes, monsieur; from Mademoiselle de Montalais.”
“Thank you, monsieur; I recollect you now,” said Raoul. “And what does Mademoiselle de Montalais require of me?”
Malicorne drew four letters from his pocket, which he offered to Raoul.
“My own letters, is it possible?” he said, turning pale; “my letters, and the seals unbroken?”
“Monsieur, your letters did not find at Blois the person to whom they were addressed, and so they are now returned to you.”
“Mademoiselle de la Valliere has left Blois, then?” exclaimed Raoul.
“Eight days ago.”