he discharged the double functions of valet and butler. He had just finished his task when there came a ring at the front-door bell.
"You'd better go and see who it is," said Lupin.
"Bernard is answering the door," said Charolais. "But perhaps I'd better keep an eye on it myself; one never knows."
He put away the razor leisurely, and went. On the stairs he found Bonavent, mounting—Bonavent, disguised in the livery and fierce moustache of a porter from the Ritz.
"Why didn't you come to the servants' entrance?" said Charolais, with the truculent air of the servant of a duke and a stickler for his master's dignity.
"I didn't know that there was one," said Bonavent humbly.
"Well, you ought to have known that there was; and it's plain enough to see. What is it you want?" said Charolais.
"I've brought a letter—a letter for the Duke of Charmerace," said Bonavent.
"Give it to me," said Charolais. "I'll take it to him."
"No, no; I'm to give it into the hands of the Duke himself and to nobody else," said Bonavent.
