A door opened at once in front of him, and he entered a room very dimly lighted.
A man was there alone; he approached Gabriel and said in a low tone,—
"Genève."
"Gloire," returned the young count at once.
The man then struck a bell, and La Renaudie himself entered by a concealed door.
He came directly to Gabriel and pressed his hand affectionately.
"Do you know what took place in parliament to-day?" he asked.
"I have not left my house until now," replied Gabriel.
"You will learn all about it here, then," said La Renaudie. "You have not yet bound yourself to us, but no matter; we will bind ourselves to you. You shall know our plans, and our strength; there shall be nothing concealed from you henceforth in the affairs of our party, while you may remain free to act alone or with us as you choose. You have told me that you were one of us in spirit, and that is sufficient. I do not even ask your word as a gentleman not to disclose anything that you may see or hear. With you it is a needless precaution."
"Thanks for your confidence," said Gabriel, much affected. "I will give you no cause to repent it."