Her eyes asked me a question, and I answered it.

"How do you know that the soldiers have come for your husband?
It may be that they are seeking me--and only me.

They may know nothing of the Vicomte's defection.

Shall you, then, be the one to inform them of it by your unbridled rantings and your accusations ?" Her jaw fell open in astonishment.

This was a side of the question she had not considered.
"Let me prevail upon you, madame, to withdraw and to be of good courage.
It is more than likely that you alarm yourself without cause." She continued to stare at me in her amazement and the confusion that was congenital with it, and if there was not time for her to withdraw, at least the possibility I had suggested acted as a timely warning.
In that moment the door opened again, and on the threshold appeared a young man in a plumed hat and corselet, carrying a naked sword in one hand and a lanthorn in the other.