"Will you not have some refreshment ?" he added, in an even voice.

"I fear you have not had time to seek it at an inn.

Your messenger has but just gone." It was impossible for him to do justice to himself, or to let his hospitality rest upon its basis of natural courtesy.

It was clear that he was moved with accumulated malice, and he could not hide it.
"Your servant has been hospitable," she said, her voice trembling a little.

She plunged at once into the business of her visit.
"Monsieur, that paper you hold--" she stopped for an instant, able to go no further.
"Ah, this--this document you have sent me," he said, opening it with an assumed carelessness.