"Yes, monsieur, I have seen the Citizen De Rouvigny; but he has been superseded."
"Ah—indeed—by whom!"
"General Rochambeau—not superseded; but the general being senior, in due course, assumes command of the Republican troops in the island. But now that I have answered your questions," he added, half closing and casting down his stealthy eyes, "can you inform me where the villa of Boscobelle is situated?"
"I can; but why do you ask?"
"I have news for Madame de Rouvigny—news from Martinique."
"Good news!" I inquired suspiciously.
"Why do you ask?" said he, through his clenched teeth.
"Because," said I, colouring, "we all feel a deep interest in her."
"Sangbleu! is that all? Well, I hope the tidings are good," he replied with a cold smile.
"Unless they be that her dog of a husband is dead, I don't know anything else that would interest her much from that island of revolt and crime."