Don Louis hesitated, though unable to account to himself for the reason that made him do so. He felt a repugnance to give up his incognito as respected the count. The two men, however, pressed him so politely, that having no serious reason to offer for the maintenance of his incognito, he allowed himself to be vanquished by their entreaties, and consented to give his name.
"Caballeros," he at length said, "I am the Count Louis Edward Maxime de Prébois Crancé."
"We are friends, I trust," De Lhorailles said, holding out his hand to him.
"What I have done is a proof of it, I think, sir," the other replied with a bow, but not taking the offered hand.
"I thank you," the count went on, without appearing to notice Louis' repugnance. "Do you intend to leave us soon?"
"I must leave you to the urgent business you have on hand. If you will allow me, I will take my leave at once."
"Not breakfasting, at least?"
"You will excuse me, but time presses. I have friends I have now left for some hours, and who must be alarmed by my lengthened absence."
"As they know you are at my house, that is impossible, sir," the count said, somewhat piqued.
"They do not know that I arrived here without accident."