A little table--without pens, books, paper, or ink--stood neglected in sadness near the window; while several plates, still unemptied, showed that the prisoner had scarcely touched his evening meal.

Aramis saw that the young man was stretched upon his bed, his face half concealed by his arms.

The arrival of a visitor did not caused any change of position; either he was waiting in expectation, or was asleep.

Aramis lighted the candle from the lantern, pushed back the armchair, and approached the bed with an evident mixture of interest and respect.

The young man raised his head.