This time Margot laughed. "Who are you, then?" she asked, briskly stepping out, "and why have you been following us? You seem to have my lady's name pretty pat," she added, sharply. "I want to speak to her," the boy answered, his lip trembling. In truth, he was trembling all over with fear and excitement. But the darkness hid that. "Oh!" Madame de Vidoche said graciously. "Well, you may speak. But tell me first who you are, and be quick about it. It is cold and late." "I am from the house where you have been," Jehan answered bravely. "You saw me at Les Andelys, too, when you were at supper, madame. I was the boy at the door. I want to speak to you alone, please." "Alone!" madame exclaimed. The boy nodded firmly. "If you please," he said. "Hoity-toity!" Margot exclaimed; and she was for demurring. "He only wants to beg," she said. "I don't!" the boy cried, with tears in his voice. "Then it is a present he wants!" she rejoined, scornfully. "They expect their vales at those places. And we are to freeze while he makes a tale." But madame, out of pity or curiosity, would hear him. She bade the woman wait a few paces away. And when they were alone: "Now," she said kindly, "what is it? You must be quick, for it is very cold." "_He_ sent me after you--with a message," Jehan answered. Madame started, and her hand went to the packet. "Do you mean M. Nôtredame?" she murmured. The boy nodded. "He--he said he had forgotten one thing," he continued, halting between his sentences and shivering. "He--he said you were to alter one thing, madame." "Oh!" Madame answered frigidly, her heart sinking, her pride roused by this intervention of the boy, who seemed to know all. "What thing, if you please?" Jehan looked quickly and fearfully over his shoulder. But all was quiet. "He said he had forgotten that your husband was dark," he stammered. "Dark!" madame muttered in astonishment. "Yes, dark-complexioned," Jehan continued desperately. "And that being so, you were not to take the--the charm yourself." Madame's eyes flashed with anger. "Oh!" she said, "indeed! And is that all?" "But to give it to him, without telling him," the boy rejoined, with sudden spirit and firmness. Madame started and drew a deep breath. "Are you sure you have made no mistake?" she said, trying to read the boy's face. But it was too dark for that. "Quite sure," he answered hardily. "Oh," madame said, slowly and thoughtfully; "very well. Is that all?" "That is all," he replied, drawing back a step; but reluctantly, as it seemed.