de Cocheforet is abroad, I think ?' I said as I dressed.
'And likely to remain there,' the man answered carelessly, shrugging his shoulders.

'Monsieur will doubtless have heard that he is in trouble.

In the meantime, the house is TRISTE, and Monsieur must overlook much, if he stays.

Madame lives retired, and the roads are ill-made and visitors few.' 'When the lion was ill the jackals left him,' I said.
Louis nodded.

'It is true,' he answered simply.