I moved quickly up to the window.

The stable door was shut; and Bontet faced me with a surly frown on his brow.
"What is to be ready at six ?" I asked.
"Some refreshments for Mme.

Delhasse," he answered readily.
"You order refreshments from the stable ?" "I was shouting to the scullery: the door is, as you will perceive, sir, there to the left." Now I knew that this was a lie, and I might very likely have said as much, had not the Duke of Saint-Maclou at this moment come into the room.

He bowed to me, but addressed himself to Bontet.
"Well, are the gentlemen to be here at five ?" he asked.
Bontet, with an air of relief, began an explanation.

One of the gentlemen--M.