"Be careful! And, for God's sake, destroy that note!" I laughed, and as Bartot was compelled to turn his back to me to regain his seat, this time at the table with his companion, I raised my glass, looking her full in the face, and drank.

Then I slipped the note from underneath the wine card into my pocket.

She made the slightest of signs, but I understood.

I was not to read it until I was alone.
"Go outside," Louis whispered to me.

"Read your letter and get rid of it." I obeyed him.