"But now I don't need it," he ended, "for the King is my best friend ... he received me with charming simplicity, just like an old comrade."
"Alas, my dear Wulf, His Majesty is at present exposed to the most terrible danger."
"What do you mean?"
"You have doubtless heard of the tragic death of Mlle. Susy d'Orsel, the King's mistress, which, by a curious coincidence, occurred in this very house?"
"I know! I know!"
"Well, perhaps you also know that among the King's enemies, some dare to accuse him of having killed Mlle. Susy d'Orsel?"
"Oh! Such people ought to be cut in pieces."
"Alas, Monsieur Wulf, we are not yet in a position to avenge His Majesty. You don't happen to know who the real murderer is, do you?"
"No, I haven't the least idea; but if I ever get hold of him, I shall know what to do!"
The Marquis smiled and shrugged his shoulders: