"Peste! Monsieur," said the leading man, with a gesture of annoyance, "what folly is this? Why do you persist in assuming that we can help you to it?"
"I know you can," was the cool reply.
"You are bold, Monsieur."
"And determined," he retorted.
The men moved to a little distance from him and held a whispered consultation. After a few minutes, the first man again addressed him.
"What is the nature of your business with Madame de Moncourt? Your visit might be unwelcome to her."
"Nay, gentlemen, I have not asked your business. I claim the same consideration."
"Your name?"
"That question also I have not put to you. Thus much, however, I will tell you; that what I have to say to Madame de Moncourt will cause her the utmost satisfaction, and that she will hold him her enemy who obstructs me. If you decline to furnish me with what I ask, I shall soon elsewhere obtain it; you will merely delay, but not restrain me. Still even delay I am desirous to avoid. I have another suggestion to make, if you still doubt me; will you give me your word of honor to convey a letter from me to the lady?"
There was another whispered conversation, and, at the end of it, they advanced to him again.