“It is the first time I have had the pleasure of meeting you, M. de Brancas,” he said, smiling. “I trust we shall be good friends.”
“The beginning of our acquaintance does not seem to me a happy one,” I answered. “But may I ask your name, monsieur?”
“I am called Hérault, lieutenant of police,” and he bowed.
“Hérault?” I exclaimed.
“At your service,” and he bowed again.
“And why have I been arrested, monsieur?” I asked.
“Ah, do not use so harsh a word!” he cried. “I assure you, monsieur, you are not arrested, but merely detained. There is no charge against you, and on my word you shall be free again day after to-morrow.”
“But in the mean time?”
“In the mean time, monsieur, you will be my guest, and I shall strive to make your stay a pleasant one.”
I searched his face with my eyes, but it told me nothing. With a start I remembered the rendezvous, and my hand sought my pocket. The note Mlle. de Valois had given me was gone. In an instant I understood. The regent was setting another trap for Richelieu.