Bowing, he went forth as another visitor appeared on the sill. He could not restrain from a cry of surprise. This gentleman was Marquis Favras, whom he had met at Cagliostro’s a week or so before and to whom the magician had predicted a near and shameful death.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE KING ATTENDS TO PRIVATE MATTERS.
LOUIS the King displayed the usual irresolution in dealing with Favras’ proposition, approved by the Queen, to make a rush out of the kingdom. He reflected all the night and at breakfast called for Count Charny.
He was still at table when the officer walked in.
“Won’t you take breakfast with me, count?”
Charny was obliged to excuse himself from the honor as he had broken his fast.
“I must ask you to wait a while as I never care to speak of important matters while at meals and I have something to talk over with your lordship. Let us speak of other matters for the moment. Of yourself, for instance. I hear that you are badly lodged here; somewhere in the garret, my lord, while the countess is lodging in Paris.”
“Sire, I am in a room of my own choice: the countess is dwelling in her own house in Coq-Heron Street.”
“I must confess my ignorance; is it near the palace?”