"Call my servant," said Canolles; "and when he is in the antechamber inform me."
Within five minutes the baron was informed that Monsieur Castorin was waiting.
"Take this letter," said Canolles, "and carry it to the officer in command of my two hundred men; bid him send an express to Paris with it."
"But, Monsieur le Baron," rejoined Castorin, who looked upon such an errand in the middle of the night as one of the most disagreeable things imaginable, "I thought that I told you that Monsieur Pompée had engaged me to take service with Madame la Princesse."
"Very good; I transmit this order to you on behalf of Madame la Princesse.—Will not your Highness deign to confirm what I say?" he added, turning toward the bed. "You are aware how important it is that this letter be delivered at once."
"Go," said the spurious princess, with a majestic accent and gesture.
Castorin bowed to the ground and left the room.
"Now," said Claire, holding out both her little hands imploringly to Canolles, "you will leave me, will you not?"
"Pardon me; but your son, madame?"
"True," replied Claire, with a smile; "you shall see him."