“No, Monsieur; it is Her Majesty’s.”

“Are you authorized by Her Majesty to communicate it to me?”

“No, Monsieur, for, on the contrary, I am desired to preserve the profoundest mystery.”

“Why, then, are you about to betray it to me?”

“Because, as I said, without you I can do nothing; and I am afraid you will refuse me the favor I come to ask if you do not know to what end I ask it.”

“Keep your secret, young man, and tell me what you wish.”

“I wish you to obtain for me, from M. des Essart, leave of absence for fifteen days.”

“When?”

“This very night.”