Fandor left the office, hailed a cab and ordered the driver to take him to the National Library. "Hang it," he muttered, "I saw the ditch and the palisade myself! Now, if they are not the work of the city, it will be interesting to find out what is going on there.... Ah! suppose this idiot Wulf was not deceived! Suppose he really heard the Singing Fountains the other evening giving the last bars of the national hymn of Hesse-Weimar!" Arrived at the National Library, Fandor began a long and minute search through volumes on architecture, on statuary and a multitude of guide books to Paris! He was so engrossed in his work that when four o'clock struck he sprang up suddenly. "Good heavens! I've scarcely time to get back to my apartment, change into my kingly clothes and meet Wulf, to become once more His Majesty Frederick-Christian!" * * * * * In his apartment in his own house, the extraordinary Marquis de Serac, who was also the common Mme. Ceiron, was whispering to a person hidden behind the curtains. "You understand, don't move and listen with all your ears, and promise me not to interfere until I give you permission!" "I promise. Monsieur le Marquis," replied the individual in a low tone. "All right, then I'll have her in." The Marquis crossed the room and opened a door. "Come in, Mademoiselle, and forgive me for keeping you waiting. I had visitors." "Oh, Monsieur," replied Marie Pascal, for it was the young seamstress, "don't mention it ... and let me thank you for your recommendation to the King. I got two big orders from it." "Oh, I was very glad to be of service to you with Frederick-Christian.... I regret only one thing, Mademoiselle, and that is the unhappy events which have clouded His Majesty's visit to Paris." "Yes, indeed," replied Marie Pascal, "and in such a tragic way, too!" "A tragic way, Mademoiselle? I imagine this has quite upset you." "Yes." The Marquis emphasized his words. "So I thought, so I thought ... especially you." The young girl lifted her pure blue eyes in surprise. "The King spoke to me of you at great length," the Marquis added. A quick blush overspread her face. "Really.... The King spoke of me?" "His Majesty told me you were charming. He noticed you the very first time you went to see him." "At the Royal Palace?... But he only got a glimpse of me through the open door." The Marquis smiled. "Oh, it doesn't take long for a King ... or a young man to sometimes dream of the impossible." "Impossible ... yes, you are right." Marie Pascal pronounced the last words in a serious voice. She was making an evident effort to keep calm. The Marquis, on the other hand, seemed inclined to joke. "Impossible, why?... One never knows ... the will of the King knows no obstacle." Then brusquely turning, he asked: "You like the King, Mademoiselle?" "Why ... why ..." "Therefore, I'm wondering if the death of this unfortunate Susy is not really a benefit." "Oh, Monsieur!"