To him suddenly came St. Laurent. The young aide knew but vaguely of the scene in the Countess's bed-chamber and, therefore, there was no prejudice in his mind against the officer. Although he was a loyalist to the core, he could sympathize as a soldier with the other's point of view. His address toward him, therefore, was respectful, and even indicated some of that sympathy.
"Monsieur," he began most courteously, "I am sent by the Governor to conduct you elsewhere."
"Shall I need my hat and cloak, monsieur?" asked the other, quite appreciative of the young man's treatment of him.
"You will," was the answer.
"Am I leaving this room permanently?"
"You will return to it in half an hour."
"And whither——"
"You will pardon me," was the firm reply, "I have orders to conduct you, not to answer questions."
"Your reproof," admitted Marteau, smiling faintly, "is well deserved. I attend you at once, sir."
Escorted by St. Laurent and two soldiers, he left the building, walked across the barrack yard, attracting instant attention from the soldiers off duty congregated there, and a few officers of the garrison who chanced to be passing. All of them saluted him with the utmost deference and the most profound respect. He punctiliously acknowledged their salutes with a melancholy grace and dignity. There was an air of great excitement everywhere, and he wondered vaguely what could be the cause of it.