"We do little else at Lavedan even when we are awake," he grumbled.
"There was no reason why monsieur should rise." Then, holding out
a paper, "Monsieur Stanislas de Marsac was here betimes this morning
with Mademoiselle his sister. He left this letter for you, monsieur."
Amaze and apprehension were quickly followed by relief, since
Anatole's words suggested that Marsac had not remained. I took the
letter, nevertheless, with some misgivings, and whilst I turned it
over in my hands I questioned the old servant.
"He stayed an hour at the chateau, monsieur," Anatole informed me.
"Monsieur le Vicomte would have had you roused, but he would not
hear of it. 'If what Monsieur de Saint-Eustache has told me touching
your guest should prove to be true,' said he, 'I would prefer not
to meet him under your roof, monsieur.' 'Monsieur de Saint-Eustache,'
my master replied, 'is not a person whose word should have weight
with any man of honour.' But in spite of that, Monsieur de Marsac
held to his resolve, and although he would offer no explanation in
answer to my master's many questions, you were not aroused.
"At the end of a half-hour his sister entered with Mademoiselle.
They had been walking together on the terrace, and Mademoiselle de
Marsac appeared very angry. 'Affairs are exactly as Monsieur de
Saint-Eustache has represented them,' said she to her brother. At
that he swore a most villainous oath, and called for writing
materials.
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