If there be aught else I can do for her--" "Nothing, I thank you," Tavannes answered.

"Then it only remains for me to take your answer to the King ?" And he rose politely, and taking his mask from the table prepared to assume it.
M.de Biron gazed at him a moment without speaking, as if he pondered on the answer he should give.

At length he nodded, and rang the bell which stood beside him.
"The mask!" he muttered in a low voice as footsteps sounded without.

And, obedient to the hint, Tavannes disguised himself.

A second later the officer who had introduced him opened the door and entered.
"Peridol," M.de Biron said--he had risen to his feet--"I have received a message which needs confirmation; and to obtain this I must leave the Arsenal.