And the only question." The Provost jumped, he was so startled.

"Certainly, my lord, certainly!" he muttered humbly.

"Certainly, I will!" And bowing frequently, but saying no more, he backed himself out of the room.
Count Hannibal laughed grimly after his fashion, and doubtless thought that he had seen the last of the magistrate for that night.

Great was his wrath, therefore, when, less than a minute later--and before Bigot had carved for him--the door opened, and the Provost appeared again.

He slid in, and without giving the courage he had gained on the stairs time to cool, plunged into his trouble.
"It stands this way, M.le Comte," he bleated.