She was waiting with the most restless impatience, and Montalais and Manicamp found her standing near the door.
At the sound of their approaching footsteps, Madame came forward to meet them.

"Ah!" she said, "at last!" "Here is M.Manicamp," replied Montalais.
Manicamp bowed with the greatest respect; Madame signed to Montalais to withdraw, and she immediately obeyed.

Madame followed her with her eyes in silence until the door closed behind her, and then turning toward Manicamp, said, "What is the matter ?--and is it true, as I am told, Monsieur de Manicamp, that some one is lying wounded in the chateau ?" "Yes, madame, unfortunately so--Monsieur de Guiche." "Yes! Monsieur de Guiche," repeated the princess.

"I had, in fact, heard it rumored, but not confirmed.

And so, in perfect truth, it is Monsieur de Guiche who has been so unfortunate." "M.