"In the king's name!" Ascanio replied.
"In the king's name!" cried the gardener. "Jesus-Dieu! does the king intend to take it from us?"
"Perhaps so!"
"But what does it mean?"
"Pray understand, my friend," said Ascanio, with a self-possession upon which he mentally congratulated himself, "that I have no explanation to give you."
"True. With whom do you desire to speak?"
"Is Monsieur le Prévôt within?" inquired Ascanio, knowing perfectly well that he was not.
"No, Monsieur; he is at the Châtelet."
"Indeed! Who takes his place in his absence?"
"His daughter is here; Mademoiselle Colombe."