“I will convince you,” said Saint-Aignan, “that have received nothing in any way from him.” And he rang the bell. “Basque,” he said to the servant who entered, “how many letters have or notes were sent here during my absence?”

“Three, monsieur le comte — a note from M. de Fiesque, one from Madame de Laferte, and a letter from M. de las Fuentes.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes, monsieur le comte.”

“Speak the truth before this gentleman — the truth, you understand.

I will take care you are not blamed.”

“There was a note, also, from — from — ”