— 4 — THE PLENIPOTENTIARY
FROM SAVOYHe was turning in sober mood along the embankment towards the dark arch of the bridge when he heard a step behind him and, turning, saw that a man had followed him from the palace; this was a tall, sallow fellow, who addressed him with a half-insolent civility, speaking French with a strong foreign accent.
“You are Charles Desgrez, an agent of police? You have been sent by M. de La Reynie, eh, to investigate the attack on Mademoiselle Malipiero?”
Desgrez nodded, scanning the speaker closely through the twilight.
“Well, before you make your report to the Chief of Police it will be to your interest to see my master.”
“And who may he be?” asked Desgrez, smiling, as he clutched his hat and bent before a sudden onslaught of wind and rain.
“One who can m
