Thirty stairs again and a door. This door was lighter in construction and modern in appearance. He pushed it open gently, quite prepared for flight. There was no one there. But the room differed from the others in its purpose. There were hangings on the walls, rugs on the floor. Two magnificent sideboards, laden with gold and silver plate, stood facing each other. The little windows contrived in the deep, narrow cleft were furnished with glass panes.
In the middle of the room was a richly-decked table, with a lace-edged cloth, dishes of fruits and cakes, champagne in decanters and flowers, heaps of flowers.
Three places were laid around the table.
Beautrelet walked up. On the napkins were cards with the names of the party. He read first:
“Arsène Lupin.”
“Mme. Arsène Lupin.”
He took up the third card and started back with surprise. It bore his own name:
“Isidore Beautrelet!”
CHAPTER TEN
THE TREASURES OF THE KINGS OF FRANCE
A curtain was drawn back.