"He will be our prisoner, and I have given the most positive orders that he is not to be let quit the palace."
The ringing of a bell was heard.
"What is that?" inquired the queen.
"The general alarm," rejoined Charny.
The princesses rose in alarm.
"What is the matter?" exclaimed the queen. "The tocsin is always the trumpet of rebellion."
"Madame," said Charny, more affected by the sinister sound than the queen, "I had better go and learn whether the alarm means anything grave."
"But we shall see you again?" asked she, quickly.
"I came to take your majesty's orders, and I shall not leave you until you are out of danger."