CHAPTER V.
THE UPPER PORTAL.
The astrologer was not alone. A tall figure, cloaked and muffled to the chin, entered after him, and stood waiting at his elbow while he secured the fastenings of the door. Apparently, they had only met on the threshold, for the stranger, after looking round him and silently noting the fantastic disorder of the room, said, in a hoarse voice, "You do not know me?"
"Perfectly, M. de Vidoche," the astrologer answered, removing his hat.
"Did you know I was following you?"
"I came to show you the way."
"That is a lie, at any rate!" the young noble retorted, with a sneer, "for I did not know I was coming myself."
"Until you saw me," the astrologer answered, unmoved. "Will you not take off your cloak? You will need it when you leave."
M. de Vidoche complied
