The porter grew pale at these words, and at the idea that this blood belonged to M. de Mayenne. At this time, when there was great dearth of ink and abundance of blood spilled, it was not uncommon for lovers to write to their mistresses, or absent relations to their families, in this liquid. "Monsieur," said the servant, "I do not know if you will find Madame de Montpensier in Paris or its environs; but go to a house in the Faubourg St. Antoine, called Bel-Esbat, which belongs to the duchesse; it is the first on the left hand going to Vincennes, after the convent of the Jacobins. You will be sure to find some one there in the service of the duchesse sufficiently in her confidence to be able to tell you where Madame la Duchesse is just now." "Thank you," said Ernanton, who saw that the man either could or would say no more. He found Bel-Esbat easily, and without more inquiries, rang, and the door opened. "Enter," said a man, who then seemed to wait for some password, but as Ernanton did not give any, he asked him what he wanted. "I wish to speak to Madame la Duchesse de Montpensier." "And why do you come here for her?" "Because the porter at the Hotel Guise sent me here." "Madame la Duchesse is not here." "That is unlucky, as it will prevent me from fulfilling the mission with which M. de Mayenne charged me." "For Madame la Duchesse?" "Yes." "From M. le Duc de Mayenne?" "Yes." The valet reflected a moment. "Monsieur," said he, "I cannot answer; there is some one else whom I must consult. Please to wait." "These people are well served," thought Ernanton. "Certainly, they must be dangerous people who think it necessary to hide themselves in this manner. One cannot enter a house of the Guises as you can the Louvre. I begin to think that it is not the true king of France whom I serve." He looked round him; the courtyard was deserted, but all the doors of the stables were open, as if they expected some troop to enter and take up their quarters. He was interrupted by the return of the valet, followed by another. "Leave me your horse, monsieur," said he, "and follow my comrade; you will find some one who can answer you much better than I can." Ernanton followed the valet, and was shown into a little room, where a simply though elegantly dressed lady was seated at an embroidery frame. "Here is the gentleman from M. de Mayenne, madame," said the servant. She turned, and Ernanton uttered a cry of surprise. "You, madame!" cried he, recognizing at once his page and the lady of the litter. "You!" cried the lady in her turn, letting her work drop, and looking at Ernanton. "Leave us," said she to the valet. "You are of the household of Madame de Montpensier, madame?" said Ernanton. "Yes; but you, monsieur, how do you bring here a message from the Duc de Mayenne?" "Through unforeseen circumstances, which it would take too long to repeat," replied Ernanton, cautiously. "Oh! you are discreet, monsieur," said the lady, smiling.