"Do you understand any of it, marquis?"
"My faith, no! He is speaking about the Prince of Cochin-China."
"He's a fool!"
"Hang it! we must amuse ourselves with him."
"One moment; it is necessary that I should learn how this clown penetrated here. Hello! Marcel, Marcel."
While Marcel was coming upstairs Chaudoreille's terror became somewhat lessened. While he had been immured in the pedestal a murmuring sound only penetrated to his ears, and he believed that the room was filled with armed men who were looking for him. Now the words which he caught, the name of the marquis which he heard pronounced, taught him the truth. Reassured that his life was in no danger, he began to glance pleadingly at the persons who surrounded the table, and meeting nothing but laughing faces he entirely recovered his spirits.
Marcel entered and, at the sight of Chaudoreille, remained stunned and confused before his master.
"Who is this man, Marcel?" said the marquis. "Is he a thief? is it he or you whom we ought to hang? Come, speak, clown, and tell us the truth, or you shall be chastised in good fashion."
Marcel, trembling, did not know how to excuse himself for having received someone despite the commands of the marquis, and muttered,—
"Monseigneur, I couldn't help it, I did not wish to, I refused him at first."