A page was handing Charles a quill and an ink-well when Hymbercourt spoke:-- "My Lord Duke, I beg you not to sign the warrant until I have asked a few questions of my Lord Campo-Basso concerning these alleged spies." "Why do you say 'alleged spies,' my Lord d'Hymbercourt ?" asked the duke.
"Do you know anything of them?
Are they friends of yours ?" "If they are friends of mine, Your Grace may be sure they are not spies," answered Hymbercourt.

"I am not sure that I know these men, but I fear a mistake has been made." A soft cry, a mere exclamation, was heard behind the chancel in the ladies' gallery, which was above the throne, a little to the right.

But it caused no comment other than a momentary turning of heads in that direction.
"On what ground do you base your suspicion, my lord ?" asked Charles.
"Little ground, Your Grace," answered Hymbercourt.

"I may be entirely wrong; but I beg the privilege of asking the noble Count Calli two or three questions before Your Grace signs the death warrant.

We may avert a grave mistake and prevent a horrible crime." "It is a waste of valuable time," answered Charles, "but if you will be brief, you may proceed.