Take care! You see there is a carriage in the courtyard: she has some one with her." Fouquet leaned towards the steps of the carriage.

"One word more," cried Pelisson; "do not go to this lady till you have been to the _concierge_, for Heaven's sake!" "Eh! five minutes, Pelisson," replied Fouquet, alighting at the steps of the hotel, leaving Pelisson in the carriage, in a very ill-humor.
Fouquet ran upstairs, told his name to the footman, which excited an eagerness and a respect that showed the habit the mistress of the house had of honoring that name in her family.

"Monsieur le surintendant," cried the marquise, advancing, very pale, to meet him; "what an honor! what an unexpected pleasure!" said she.

Then, in a low voice, "Take care!" added the marquise, "Marguerite Vanel is here!" "Madame," replied Fouquet, rather agitated, "I came on business.

One single word, and quickly, if you please!" And he entered the _salon_.
Madame Vanel had risen, paler, more livid, than Envy herself.