"She is a servant of Mlle de Tricotrin.
"In what capacity?"
"I do not know, sire; but it may elucidate the point if I inform your majesty of a curious statement she made to me."
"Well, sir, proceed," said the King, as the officer hesitated.
"She spoke very strangely," replied the gendarme, "of having been rescued from some danger by your majesty."
"And what of the man?" asked the King, endeavouring to conceal his interest.
"As to that, I cannot speak with such certainty," answered the officer.
"But of what kind was he?"
"He was dressed, sire, like a beggar."
"Hear, Chancellor! hear, General! to what a pitch of insolence these wretches are coming!" said the King hotly. "It is growing past bearing. We have not acted a moment too soon."