"However," he said, as he went to his room. "I want to know. I must
know. I will know."
CHAPTER XXVII
The next day, the day of the fete, all the Chateau, from early in the
morning, was in a violent tumult. Maurice, the Marquis Assistant, and
Jean Perliez were busy to the point of distraction; fortunately for
Maurice, who had been unable to sleep and had called Jean at six to
share the secret which had not been confided to him. He could not
think of telling Genevieve, and Jean should be able to help keep
watch.
"You try," he directed, "to watch Montagnac; I shall not leave the
diplomat."
The Duke came in search of Maurice to ask for Esperance. He looked a
little pale but showed much interest in the fete.
"Our dear Duchess must be rewarded for all the excitement we have
caused her house."
"There is no reason to suppose," said Maurice, "that all the
excitement will cease after the fete!"
The Duke would not show that he had understood. Maurice went to smoke
a cigarette in the garden and was hardly surprised to see the doctor,
who had been attached to the service of the Duchess for twenty years,
and attended all the guests in the Chateau, talking animatedly with
the diplomat. The doctor raised his arms in a horrified gesture,
letting them fall again tragically. He gave every evidence of a
violent struggle with himself. The diplomat remained calm, determined,
and even authoritative.
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