He had scarcely finished the last stroke, when they heard a noise on the other side of the opening into the empty house.

The Duke looked at the fireplace, and his teeth bared in an expression of cold ferocity.

He rose with clenched fists, and took a step towards the fireplace.
"Your Grace?
Your Grace ?" called the voice of Guerchard.
"What is it ?" answered the Duke quietly.
"I can't see any handkerchief," said Guerchard.

"Didn't you say it was in the left-hand corner of the little room on the right ?" "I told you you'd better let me come with you, and find it," said the Duke, in a tone of triumph.

"It's in the right-hand corner of the little room on the left." "I could have sworn you said the little room on the right," said Guerchard.
They heard his footfalls die away.
"Now, you must get out of the house quickly." said the Duke.