Here d'Ayen, who stood glaring at me and biting at the red feathers in his hat which he held in his hand, interposed:
'I was in hopes that Madame would give me the pleasure,' he began.
'Another day, perhaps, baron,' I cut in rudely enough. 'I trust,' I added in a kinder tone, 'that your arm does not incommode you?'
'It will heal soon,' he said in a thick voice, and turned away abruptly.
'He is very angry,' Madame said, following him with her eyes.
'That will heal too, I hope. This way is easiest, I think,' and I moved onwards with my charge, still, however, keeping an eye on the door of the cabinet.
'Do you know,' I said a moment or so later, 'I am indebted to an unknown friend for finding out you were here?'
'Indeed!' she replied seriously enough, though her eyes were smiling; 'perhaps I ought not to tell you, but I saw you and told Coiffier to let you know I was here.'
'Coiffier, the astrologer!'
'Yes—do you not see him there? He is a brother of Pantin, and devoted to my house; a strange man though, and at times I almost fear him.'