The mist had lifted and the stars were clear, and over the dark mass of the Louvre a great planet burned.

The air was warm and stifling, and with a gesture of impatience he slammed the door.

By now he ought to have been drinking the cool night on the downs beyond Oise.
The Englishman had called for another bottle, and it was served in the empty tavern by the landlord himself.

As the wine was brought in the two fell to talking Spanish, at the sound of which the man visibly started.
His furtive sulky face changed to a sly friendliness.

"Your excellencies have come to town for the good work," he said, sidling and bowing.
With a more than Spanish gravity Gaspard inclined his head.
"When does it start ?" he asked.
"Ah, that we common folk do not know.