All this I saw, while Darrell stood rigidly by me, sword in hand.
Madame was the first to speak; her delicate subtle face lit up with recognition.
"Why, I have spoken with this gentleman," she said in a low voice.
"And I also," said M.de Perrencourt under his breath.
I think he hardly knew that he spoke, for the words seemed the merest unconscious outcome of his thoughts.
The King raised his hand, as though to impose silence.

Madame bowed in apologetic submission, M.de Perrencourt took no heed of the gesture, although he did not speak again.

A moment later he laid his hand on Colbert's shoulder and whispered to him.

I thought I heard just a word--it was "Fontelles." Colbert looked up and nodded.

M.de Perrencourt folded his arms on the back of the chair, and his face resumed its impassivity.
Another moment elapsed before the King spoke.