“His excellency does reside here,” replied the concierge; “but⁠—” added he, glancing an inquiring look at Ali. Ali returned a sign in the negative.

“But what?” asked the groom.

“His excellency does not receive visitors today.”

“Then here is my master’s card, the Baron Danglars. You will take it to the count, and say that, although in haste to attend the Chamber, my master came out of his way to have the honor of calling upon him.”

“I never speak to his excellency,” replied the concierge; “the valet de chambre will carry your message.”

The groom returned to the carriage.

“Well?” asked Danglars.

The man, somewhat crestfallen by the rebuke he had received, repeated what the concierge had said.