The Abbé was engaged in writing as Cahill entered the room.
“Have you seen him, Michel?” cried he, eagerly, as he raised his head' from the table.
“No. Admission is strictly denied—”
“I thought it would be so—I suspected what the game would be. This Grounsell means to turn the tables, and practise upon us the menace that was meant for him. I foresee all that he intends, but I'll foil him! I have written here to Wallace, the Queen's Counsel, to come down here at once. This charge against old Dalton, in hands like his, may become a most formidable accusation.”
“I have not told you that these Daltons have arrived here—”
“What! Of whom do you speak?”
“The old Count von Dalton, with a niece and nephew.”
D'Esmonde sprang from his seat, stood for some seconds, stood still and silent.
“This is certain, Michel? you know this to be true?”
“I saw the old General myself, and heard him talk with the waiter.”