"Madame, the document to be signed was only a pretext to gain access to you. But here is a note which a young and handsome cavalier bade me hand you in secret.—Please to read it; he is waiting for me close by, and hopes for an answer."
Valentine took the letter and read it at once. An expression of joy, of triumph, lighted up her face. The little clerk had respectfully walked away, and could not hear the words which the marchioness, after reading the note, muttered between her teeth:
"Aha! monsieur le comte! you ask for a rendezvous! You are very impatient, now! But you go too fast!"
She beckoned Bahuchet to her side.
"Where was this note given to you?"
"Near by—at a wine shop."
"Do you know the person who gave it to you?"
"No, madame; but it was easy to guess that he was a nobleman."
"And he is waiting for you now?"
"Yes, madame; at the same place where he gave me his letter. What reply shall I take to him?"