"Cagliostro!" exclaimed the doctor.
"Good; there you are forgetting again that I am no longer under that name, but bear that of Baron Zannone. At the same time, Gilbert, for you I am changed in neither name nor heart, and am ever your Joseph Balsamo, I hope."
"Yes; and the proof is that I was going to find you."
"I suspected as much, and that is what has brought me," said the magician. "For you can imagine that in such times I do not go into the country, as Robespierre is doing."
"That is why I feared that I should not find you at home, and I am happy to meet you. But come in, I beg."
"Well, here I am. Say your wish," said Cagliostro, following the master into the most retired room.
"Do you know what is going on?" asked the host, as soon as both were seated.
"You mean what is going to happen; for at present nothing is doing," observed the other.
"No, you are right; but something dreadful is brewing, eh?"
"Dreadful, in sooth; but such is sometimes needful."