Now see to my valise, and on my return perhaps I'll tell you where I am going, and put your fidelity to the test." "And you will take me with you ?" "Why, yes," La Boulaye promised him, "unless you should prefer to remain in Paris." With that he got away and leaving the house, he walked briskly up the street, round the corner, and on until he stood once more before Duplay's.
"Has the Citizen Robespierre departed yet ?" he inquired of the woman who answered his peremptory knock.
"He has been gone this hour, Citizen La Boulaye," she answered.

"He started almost immediately after you left him." "Diable!" grumbled Caron, with well-feigned annoyance.

"Quel contretemps! I have left a most important document in his room, and, of course, it will be locked." "But the Citoyenne Cecile has the key," answered the woman, eager to oblige him.
"Why, yes--naturally! Now that is fortunate.

Will you do me the favour to procure the key from he Citoyenne for a few moments, telling her, of course, that it is I who need it ?" "But certainly, Montez, Citoyen." And with a wave of the hand towards the stairs she went before him.
He followed leisurely, and by the time he had reached Robespierre's door her voice floated down to him from above, calling the Incorruptible's niece.

Next he heard Cecile's voice replying, and then a whispered conference on the landing overhead, to the accompaniment of the occasional tinkle of a bunch of keys.
Presently the domestic returned, and unlocking the door, she held it open for La Boulaye to pass.