"Matter?" repeated the valet. "Matter? Nothing, Monsieur, nothing!"
quickly. "I will this instant announce your return to monseigneur."
"One would think that I had been trying to run away," mused the
Chevalier, following the valet.
Meanwhile a lackey dressed in no particular livery entered the Hôtel of
the Silver Candlestick and inquired for Monsieur Breton, lackey to
Monsieur le Chevalier du Cévennes. He was directed to the floor above.
On hearing a knock, Breton hastily closed the book he was reading and
went to the door. The hallway was so dark that he could distinguish no
feature of his caller.
"Monsieur Breton?" the strange lackey inquired, "Are you seeking me?" Breton asked diplomatically.
"I was directed to deliver this to you. It is for your master," and
the stranger placed a bundle in Breton's hands. Immediately he turned
and disappeared down the stairs. Evidently he desired not to be
questioned.
Breton surveyed the bundle doubtfully, turned it this way and that. On
opening it he was greatly surprised to find his master's celebrated
grey cloak. He examined it. It was soiled and rent in several places.
Breton hung it up in the closet, shaking his head.
"This is very irregular," he muttered. "Monsieur de Saumaise would
never have returned it in this condition; besides, Hector would have
been the messenger. What will Monsieur Paul say when he sees it?"
And, knowing that he had no cause to worry, and having not the
slightest warning that his master's liberty was in danger, Breton
reseated himself by the candles and continued his indulgence in stolen
sweets; that is to say, he renewed the adventures of that remarkable
offspring of Gargantua.