What the King gave me, I give you."
Seeing that it was the missing key to the cipher, I swallowed my
rage and took it; and being assured by this time that I could
effect nothing by staying longer, but should only expose myself
to fresh insults, I turned on my heel, with rudeness equal to her
own, and, without taking leave of her, flung the door open and
went out. I heard her throw herself back with a shrill laugh of
triumph. But as, the moment the door fell to behind me, my
thoughts began to cast about for another way of escape--this
failing--I took little heed of her, and less of the derisive
looks to which the household, quickly taking the cue, treated me
as I passed. I flung myself into the saddle and galloped off,
followed by Maignan, who presently, to my surprise, blurted out a
clumsy word of congratulation.
I turned on him in amazement, and, swearing at him, asked him
what he meant.
"You have got it," he said timidly, pointing to the packet which
I mechanically held in my hand.
"And to what purpose?" I cried, glad of this opportunity of
unloading some of my wrath.
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