"The porter should have them, monseigneur."
"Bid him come here, I wish to speak to him."
The old porter hastened to obey his master's orders.
"Are there some double keys for these apartments?" said the marquis.
"Yes, monseigneur, there are even triple keys; 'tis an ancient usage that dates from—"
"Go and get me those of the tower which looks on the lake."
The porter departed, and soon returned with a bunch of keys, saying,—
"If monseigneur wishes I will conduct him through the château."
"Give me those and go, I do not need your assistance," said the marquis, snatching the keys from his hand.
The old man, stupefied, bowed and departed, without daring to raise his eyes on his master. The marquis dismissed his servants, saying that he had need of rest, and presently the most profound silence reigned in the château and in the grounds pertaining to it.