"Who gave it to Mademoiselle?
How did it reach her hands?
Speak, some one!" A maid, whimpering in the background, said that Francis had given it to her to hand to Mademoiselle.
I ground my teeth together, while Marie, unbidden, left the room to seek Francis--and a stirrup leather.

The Vidame had brought the note in his pocket no doubt, rightly expecting that he would not get an audience of my cousin.

Returning to the gate alone he had seen his opportunity, and given the note to Francis, probably with a small fee to secure its transmission.
Croisette and I looked at one another, apprehending all this.

"He will sleep at Cahors to-night," I said sullenly.
The lad shook his head and answered in a low voice, "I am afraid not.
His horses are fresh.

I think he will push on.