“By what law of society is that?”
“By the laws of the wager made with Chateau Renaud.”
I felt Louis’ arm quiver as it rested on mine—I turned round; but though his face was deadly pale, it was impassable.
“What is the wager?” I inquired.
“Oh, it would occupy too much time to repeat here, and, besides, some one interested might overhear, and it might thus be lost.”
“What wonderful discretion you possess! At three, then.”
“At three!”
Once more we separated, and as I glanced at the clock I saw it then was thirty-five minutes past two.
“Do you know this M. de Chateau Renaud?” asked Louis, who vainly attempted to command his voice, and to conceal his emotion.
“Only by sight. I have met him occasionally in society.”