And Count Hannibal?
Count Hannibal was following also, as if nothing had occurred.

As if he had seen nothing! The young man caught his breath.

Was it possible that he had imagined the start of recognition, the steady scrutiny, the sinister smile?
No; for as Tavannes followed the others, he hung an instant on his heel, their eyes met again, and once more he smiled.

In the next breath he was gone through the doorway, his spurs rang on the stairs; and the babel of the crowd, checked by the great man's presence, broke out anew, and louder.
Tignonville shuddered.

He was saved as by a miracle; saved, he did not know how.