They heard the sound of the servant’s footsteps on the stairs to the first floor and then on the landing. He entered.
“Did you do as I told you, Valentine?” [[193]]
“Yes, sir.”
“There were letters—letters to be signed?”
“No, sir.”
“That’s odd. But my courrier?”
“He had just been transferred to M. Marescal.”
“But what right? Did Marescal dare?—Was Marescal there?” cried Bregeac in a tone of sudden anxiety.
“No, sir. He came and went away at once.”
“Came away? At half-past two? Then it must be some important affair.”