“Madame Vanel,” said Fouquet.

“Ha!” cried Pelisson, “I was sure of that.”

“Well! what then?”

“Why, she got into her carriage, looking deadly pale.”

“What consequence is that to me?”

“Yes, but what she said to her coachman is of consequence to you.”

“Kind heaven!” cried the marquise, “what was that?”

“To M. Colbert’s!” said Pelisson, in a hoarse voice.

“Bon Dieu! — begone, begone, monseigneur!” replied the marquise, pushing Fouquet out of the