It was not without astonishment that he was pushed into his own house by a gentleman who had a lady on his arm. He started when he cast a rapid glance at the latter.
"What do you want?" he challenged Malden.
"We are strangers to Varennes, and we beg you to point out the Stenay road."
"But if I give you the information, and it is known, I will be a ruined man."
"Whatever the risk, sir," said the Lifeguardsman, "it will be kindness to a lady who is in a dangerous position——"
"Yes, but this is a great lady—it is the Queen," he whispered to the sham courier.
The Queen pulled Malden back.
"Before going farther, let the King know that I am recognized," she said.
Malden took but a second to run this errand and he brought word that the King wanted to see this careful man.
He kicked off his slippers with a sigh, and went on tiptoe out to the vehicle.