I suppose," with a grim look at Baudichon and the Inquisitor, who had exchanged meaning glances, "it is not alleged that I am in the plot with him?
Or that he has confided to me the Grand Duke's plans ?" Fabri laughed heartily at the notion, and the laugh, which was echoed by four-fifths of those at the table, cleared the air.

Petitot, it is true, limited himself to a smile, and Baudichon shrugged his shoulders.

But for the moment the challenge silenced them.

The game passed to Blondel's hands, and his spirits rose.

"If M.Baudichon wants to know more about him," he said contemptuously, "I dare say that the information can be obtained." "The point is," Fabri answered, "what are we to do ?" "As to--what ?" "As to expelling him or seizing him." "Oh!" The exclamation fell from Blondel's lips before he could stay it.
He saw what was coming, and the dilemma in which he was to be placed.
"We have the letter before us," the First Syndic continued, "and apart from it, we know nothing for this person or against him." He looked round the table and met assenting glances.