We will try, however, and if need be--well, if there should be any occasion for it, we must try something else." Montalais still ran on.
"How fatiguing it is," thought Manicamp, "to have need of one's head and legs at the same time." At last, however, they arrived.

Madame had just finished undressing, and was in a most elegant _deshabille_, but it must be understood that she had changed her dress before she had any idea of being subjected to the emotions now agitating her.

She was waiting with the most restless impatience; and Montalais and Manicamp found her standing near the door.
At the sound of their approaching footsteps, Madame came forward to meet them.
"Ah!" she said, "at last!" "Here is M.Manicamp," replied Montalais.
Manicamp bowed with the greatest respect; Madame signed to Montalais to withdraw, and she immediately obeyed.

Madame followed her with her eyes, in silence, until the door closed behind her, and then, turning towards Manicamp, said, "What is the matter ?--and is it true, as I am told, Monsieur de Manicamp, that some one is lying wounded in the chateau ?" "Yes, Madame, unfortunately so--Monsieur de Guiche." "Yes, Monsieur de Guiche," repeated the princess.

"I had, in fact, heard it rumored, but not confirmed.