Marguerite went down, holding her lamp in her hand. She was not reassured, but opened the door, and a man wrapped in a large cloak, his head covered with a plumed hat, appeared before her.
"You've been very slow, my good woman," said he, smiling, "however, I'll indemnify you for the trouble I have caused you."
While saying these words, he slipped several pieces of gold into Marguerite's hand. The old woman did not know if she ought to accept them, but said to herself, "His manners are not those of a robber."
The stranger quickly entered the alleyway and the old woman as she looked at him said to herself, "This is not the first time that I have seen that figure, and I remember his voice. Yes, I believe that that's the friend my master was waiting for so late some time ago."
Marguerite was not deceived, it was in fact the marquis who had introduced himself into the house, having first sent the barber a letter in which he gave him a rendezvous outside, and ordered him to wait there until ten o'clock in the evening.
"Monsieur has been here before, I believe," said Marguerite, reassured on recognizing one whom she believed to be her master's friend.
"Yes, yes, my good mother, I have often been here; but hasten to lead me to your young mistress. It is absolutely necessary that I should see her."
"Is my master ill?—has he been involved in some quarrel? Many accidents happen in this city."
"Don't be uneasy, there's nothing of that kind."
The marquis followed Marguerite, who led him to Blanche's chamber, and opened the door, saying,—