It contained only these lines, addressed me in French:-- A friend of the late Marshal Devereux encloses to his son a letter, the contents of which it is essential for His safety that he should know.
C.D.

B.
"Umph!" said I, "a very satisfactory intimation, considering that the son of the late Marshal Devereux is so very well assured that he shall not know one line of the contents of the said letter.

But let me see after this messenger!" and I immediately hastened to institute inquiry respecting him.

I found that he was already gone; on leaving the hall he had remounted his horse and taken his departure.

One servant, however, had seen him, as he passed the front court, address a few words to my valet, Desmarais, who happened to be loitering there.