He went to the window and glanced eagerly down the road; then he drew out his watch and examined the face of it, when all at once his ears detected a gentle tapping at the door of the office.
"Come in," said he.
The door opened, and Diana entered slowly, without uttering a word, and took no notice of the servile obsequiousness of the Counsellor; indeed, she hardly seemed to notice his presence, and with a deep sigh she threw herself into a chair.
In his inmost heart Daumon was filled with the utmost delight; he now understood why Diana had taken so long in reaching his house; it was because her interview with the Duke had almost overcome her.
She soon, however, recovered her energy, and shook off the languor that seemed to cling to her limbs, and turning towards her host, said abruptly,-- "Counsellor, I have come to you for advice, which I sorely need.

About an hour ago--" With a gesture of sympathy Daumon interrupted her,-- "Alas!" said he; "spare me the recital, I know all." "You know----" "Yes, I know that M.Norbert is a prisoner at the Chateau.

Yes, mademoiselle, I know this, and I know, too, that you have just met the Duke de Champdoce in the Forest of Bevron.

I know, moreover, all that you said to the old nobleman, for I have heard every word from a person who has just left." In spite of her strong nerves, Diana was unable to restrain a movement of dismay and terror.
"But who told you of this ?" murmured she.
"A man who was out cutting wood.

Ah! my dear young lady, the forest is not a safe place to tell secrets in, for you never know whether watchful eyes and listening ears are not concealed behind every tree.