Not a soul was there to greet the heir of this princely house, or bid him welcome home. The servant, who, after his repeated knockings, appeared to open the door, gazed at his young lord with a countenance wherein terror and sympathy were strangely mingled.
"Are the princesses at home?" asked Eugene.
"No, your highness, they took refuge with their grandmother, the
Princess de Carignan."
"Took refuge!" echoed Eugene, staring at the man in dumb dismay.
"Yes, my lord, they were afraid of the people, who have gathered here by thousands every day since the countess left. This is the third summons that has been made for her highness, and at each one the people of Paris have flocked to the hotel with such jeers and curses, that the poor young ladies were too terrified to remain."
"They acted prudently," replied Eugene, recovering his self- possession. "But where is the steward? And where are the other servants?"
"Latour accompanied the princesses, your highness, and has not returned. The remainder of the household have taken service elsewhere."
"What! my valet, Dupont?"
"He thought your highness had left Paris for a long time, and looked for another master."
"Then how comes it that you are here, Conrad?"