"I went downstairs for another candle. My mother noticed me, and uttered a cry of surprise.
"'What is the matter with you,' she said, 'and why are you so pale?'
"'There is nothing the matter,' I replied, as I returned upstairs.
"This time the candle was not extinguished. I looked into my brother's room; it was empty.
"The taper had completely disappeared, nor was there any trace of the body on the bed.
"On the ground was my first candle, which I now relighted.
"Notwithstanding this absence of proof, I had seen enough to be convinced that at ten minutes past nine that morning my brother had been killed. I went to bed in a very agitated frame of mind.
"As you may imagine, I did not sleep very well, but at length fatigue conquered my agitation and I got a little rest.
"Then all the circumstances came before me in the form of a dream. I saw the scene as it had passed. I saw the man who had killed him. I heard his name. He is called M. de Chateau Renaud."
"Alas! that is all too true," I replied; "but what have you come to Paris for?"
"I have come to kill the man who has killed my brother."
"Oh, you may rest assured, not in the Corsican fashion from behind a wall or through a hedge, but in the French manner, with white gloves on, a frilled shirt, and white cuffs."
"And does Madame de Franchi know you have come to Paris with this intention?"
"She kissed me, and said, 'Go.' My mother is a true Corsican."
"But your brother would not wish to be avenged were he alive."
"Well, then," replied Lucien, smiling bitterly, "he must have changed his mind since he died."
At this moment the valet entered, carrying the supper tray.
Lucien ate like a man without a care in the world.
After supper I showed him to his room. He thanked me, shook me by the hand, and wished me good-night.
Next morning he came into my room as soon as the servant told him I was up.
"Will you accompany me to Vincennes?" he said. "If you are engaged I will go alone."
"Alone!" I replied. "How will you be able to find the spot?"
"Oh, I shall easily recognize it. Do you not remember that I saw it in my dream?"
I was curious to know how far he was correct in this. "Very well," I said, "I will go with you."
"Get ready, then, while I write to Giordano. You will let Victor take the note for me, will you not?"