Marteau entered the room and closed the door behind him.

The drawing-room of the Governor's palace was brilliantly illuminated.

The Governor was receiving the officers of the garrison and the principal inhabitants of the city that night, but it was yet early in the evening, and none of them had arrived.

The young officer had purposely planned his visit at that hour, in order that he might have a few moments' conversation with the Marquis before the invited guests arrived.
There were five people gathered about the fireplace, all engrossed in pleasant conversation apparently.

It was the second of March, and the weather made the fire blazing on the hearth very welcome.