He placed on the desk a sheet of paper, which the Minister examined attentively.
“No date, very common paper, an evidently counterfeit handwriting, and no signature. Now let us see what it says: ‘If you wish to see once more the one who still loves you, go to-night, at ten o’clock, to the Place de l’Etoile, at the corner of the Avenue Hoche. A carriage will be stationed there. Enter it, the coachman will ask no questions, and will take you where you are expected.’”
“Good. The classic mode of procedure, except that you are not asked to submit to having your eyes bandaged. What have you made up your mind to do?”
“I shall go to the rendezvous.”
“Ah, ah! Without the slightest apprehension?”
“That is another matter, General. All the same, I shall go. I am determined to have the solution to this enigma.”
The magistrate interrupted him in gentle tones—
“Permit me to remark, monsieur, that this resolution of yours is an exceedingly imprudent one. Ninety-nine chances to a hundred they are attempting to entrap you. Do not add to our trouble by exposing yourself to danger for an uncertain result.”
“If it is she who has written to me, I have nothing to fear.”
“The deuce!” exclaimed the General. “You are very affirmative!”