this terrible but, so significant in a woman like Montalais, was interrupted by a moderately loud noise heard by the speakers proceeding from the alcove behind
the wainscoting. Montalais turned to listen, and Raoul was already rising, when
a lady entered the room quietly by the secret door, which she closed after her.
“Madame!” exclaimed Raoul, on recognizing the sister-in-law of the king.
“Stupid wretch!” murmured Montalais, throwing herself, but too late,
before the princess, “I have been mistaken in an hour!” She had, however, time
to warn the princess, who was walking towards Raoul.
“M. de Bragelonne, Madame,” and at these words the princess drew back, uttering a cry in her turn.
“Your royal highness,” said Montalais, with volubility, “is kind enough to
think of this lottery,
