"Are we driving direct to the Embassy?"
"Why not? It will destroy the ridiculous rumor of abduction."
"Then, Sir Edward, as a distinct favor to me, will you not at once open the bundle and give to me, in order that I may myself return it to my friend, Monsieur Roché, a document placed there by error, which is not addressed to you?"
"Certainly," he replied, flicking the leaders with his whip. "I should have returned it under any conditions, but, since you wish it, I will do so through you."
I sighed a sigh of deep contentment. "You will make me ever your debtor," I murmured.
"Not at all. But is this the reason of your visit to Versailles?" he inquired after a moment, with a strange little smile.
"Suppose you exchange a little small talk with your other friends, and not devote all your attention to me," I suggested, in a tone of mild reproof.
And, generously discreet, Sir Edward obeyed my desires, till we rolled into Paris, I passing the while in thinking what a fortunate thing it was that Gaspard had not given way to my temptations and purloined his Excellency's private despatches.