hand:

“‘DEAR AND WELL-BELOVED MONSIEUR FOUQUET, — Give us, upon that which you have left of ours, the sum of seven hundred thousand livres, of which we stand in need to prepare for our departure.

“‘And, as we know your health is not good, we pray God to restore you, and to have you in His holy keeping. “‘LOUIS.

“‘The present letter is to serve as a receipt.’“

A murmur of terror circulated through the apartment.

“Well,” cried Pelisson, in his turn, “you have received that letter?”

“Received it, yes!”

“What will you do, then?”