Hurrah! the thing was done! The house--as we passed through a long passage and up some steps--seemed full of people.

We heard voices and the ring of arms more than once.

But our guide, without pausing, led us to a small room lighted by a hanging lamp.

"I will inform M.de Pavannes of your arrival," he said respectfully, and passed behind a curtain, which seemed to hide the door of an inner apartment.

As he did so the clink of glasses and the hum of conversation reached us.
"He has company supping with him," I said nervously.