He looked at her searchingly, then his eyes fell; the waiting-woman was conscious of a sudden wave of disgust, of loathing for him and all the pretentious details of this room so obviously arranged to impress the foolish and ignorant, and this feeling gave her strength and courage to speak.
"You must leave the palace, Duprès," she said; "it would be better if you left Brussels, but this you must leave, and at once."
His whole face paled and hardened into a set look of defiance and alarm.
"What do you mean? Who told you to say that?" he asked roughly.
Rénèe rose.
"I speak on my own authority," she said quietly, "but if you refuse to take my warning, I will go to the Prince."
Duprès winced so palpably and looked so hideously alarmed that Rénèe was slightly astonished, slightly softened.
"Go at once," she added, following up her advantage; "you have made enough plunder and may now try your fortunes elsewhere."
Duprès rallied himself; his eyes flickered to the fire.
"What have you against me?" he asked anxiously.