"Don't, I beg of you," exclaimed the old man, with growing alarm. "You have looked and acted very strangely ever since you read that letter. You frighten me."
"You are mistaken, father. There is nothing the matter with me. I have a slight headache, that is all. I shall be back soon."
And Louis left the room abruptly.
As he passed the porter's lodge, that functionary stopped him, and said, with a mysterious air:
"M. Louis, I want to see you alone for a moment. Step inside, if you please."
"What is it?" asked Louis, as he complied with the request.
"Here is a card that a gentleman left for you. He came in a magnificent carriage, and said that his business was very important."
Louis took the card, and, approaching the lamp, read:
"Commandant de la Miraudière,
17 Rue du Mont-Blanc.
"Requests the honour of a visit from M. Louis Richard to-morrow morning between nine and ten, as he has a very important communication, which will brook no delay, to make to him."