I saw that something had occurred to gratify him beyond measure, and, believing his statement that this was not the good news from La Ganache only, I waited with the utmost interest and anxiety for the hour of nine, which had no sooner struck than our former visitor appeared with the same air of mystery and disguise which had attended him before.
M.de Rosny, who had risen on hearing his step and had taken up his cloak, paused with it half on and half off, to cry anxiously, 'All is well, is it not ?' 'Perfectly,' the stranger replied, with a nod.
'And my friend ?' Yes, on condition that you answer for his discretion and fidelity.' And the stranger glanced involuntarily at me who stood uncertain whether to hold my ground or retire.
'Good,' M.de Rosny cried.

Then he turned to me with a mingled air of dignity and kindness, and continued: 'This is the gentleman.

M.de Marsac, I am honoured with permission to present you to the Marquis de Rambouillet, whose interest and protection I beg you to deserve, for he is a true Frenchman and a patriot whom I respect.' M.de Rambouillet saluted me politely.

'Of a Brittany family, I think ?' he said.
I assented; and he replied with something complimentary.

But afterwards he continued to look at me in silence with a keenness and curiosity I did not understand.