He poured out another half-glass, filled it up with milk, and drank it off slowly.

At that moment a knock came to the door.

Christine opened it, and admitted one of the fugitives of Nicolas's company of rebels.

He saw Ferrol, and came straight to him.
"A letter for M'sieu' the Honourable," said he "from M'sieu' le Capitaine Lavilette." Ferrol opened the paper.

It contained only a few lines.