have five minutes' peace and quietness," he said. "I told
you that I was at home to no one."

"But----"

"Enough! Let the lady and gentleman wait."

The servant withdrew.

The thought of passing out through the drawing-room filled Pascal with
consternation. How could he hope to escape Madame Leon's keen eyes?
Fortunately M. de Valorsay came to his relief, for as Pascal was about
to open the same door by which he had entered, the marquis exclaimed:
"Not that way! Pass out here--this is the shortest way."

And leading him through his bedroom the marquis conducted him to the
staircase, where he even feigned to offer him his hand, saying: "A
speedy return, dear M. Maumejan."

It is not at the moment of peril that people endure the worst agony; it
is afterward, when they have escaped it. As he went down the staircase,
Pascal wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Ah! it was a narrow
escape!" he exclaimed, under his breath.

He felt proud of the manner in which he had sustained a part so
repugnant to his nature. He was amazed to find that he could utter
falsehoods with such a calm, unblushing face--he was astonished at his
own audacity. And what a success he had achieved! He felt certain that
he had just slipped round M. de Valorsay's neck the noose which would
strangle him later on. Still he was considerably disturbed by Madame
Leon's visit to the marquis. "What is she doing here with this
physician?" he asked himself again and again. "Who is this man? What new
piece of infamy are they plotting to require his services?" One of those
presentiments which are prompted by the logic of events, told him that
this physician had been, or would be, one of the actors in the vile
conspiracy of which he and Mademoiselle Marguerite were the victims.
But he had no leisure to devote to the solution of this enigma. Time
was flying, and before returning to the marquis's house he must find out
what had aroused the suspicions of the purchaser of those horses, the
biographies of which had been so rigidly exacted. Through the baron, he
might hope to obtain an interview with Kami-Bey--and so it was to the
baron's house that Pascal directed his steps.

After the more than cordial reception which the baron had granted him
that morning, it was quite natural that the servants should receive him
as a friend of the household. They would scarcely allow him to explain
what he desired. It was the pompous head valet in person who ushered him
i