What he meant by this riddle I cannot tell; but I can assure you he sent the honest Halfred from the room with a very perturbed countenance.
In a few minutes he had brought us some much-needed refreshments, and, with a last dark glance towards my unconscious visitor, retired for the night.
On our journey the Marquis had kept his counsel with that air of mystery he could assume so effectively, nor had I pressed him with questions; but when our hunger was somewhat abated I began to consider it time that I was taken into his confidence. For I had gathered enough to feel sure that some coup was very shortly to be tried.
“M. le Marquis,” I said, “have you nothing to tell me?”
“First, my dear friend, read your letters,” he replied.
“But they can wait.”
“I beseech you!”
A little struck by his tone, I opened the first, and as I read the contents I could not refrain from an exclamation of astonishment.
“You have unexpected news?” he said.