CHAPTER XVIII.
ALMOST A GENTLEMAN "Will you tell the Lieutenant-Colonel, the Marquis d'Aumenier, that an officer returned from the wars desires to see him ?" said Marteau to the footman who answered the door at the Governor's palace.
"So many wandering officers want to see His Excellency," said the servant superciliously, "that I have instructions to require further enlightenment before I admit any to his presence." "Say to your master," replied the other, his face flushing at the insolence of the servant, "that one from the village of Aumenier craves an audience on matters of great importance." "And even that will scarcely be sufficient," began the lackey.
"Enough!" thundered Marteau.

"Carry my message to him instantly," he said fiercely, "or I shall throw you aside and carry it myself." The servant looked at him a moment, and not relishing what he saw, turned on his heel and disappeared.
"His Excellency will see you, sir," he said, in a manner considerably more respectful when he returned a few moments later.

"This way, sir.
His Excellency is in the drawing-room, having finished his dinner.
What name shall I announce ?" he asked, his hand on the door.
"Announce no one," was the curt reply.

"Open the door.

I will make myself known." The lackey threw open the door.