"Barradashasnotkilledhimthen？"Isaid，reproachingmyselfinadegreeformyforgetfulness。
　　"No！He，Barradas！"Saintongeanswered。
　　"No？"Iexclaimed。
　　"Yes！"hesaid。"Itellyou，M。leMarquis，heisadevilofafellow——adevilofafellow！Hefought，Iamtold，justlikeCrillon；rushedinonthatrascalandfairlybeatdownhisguard，andhadhimpinnedtothegroundbeforeheknewthattheyhadcrossedswords！"
　　"Well，"Isaid，"thereisonescoundreltheless。Thatisall。"
　　"Ah，butthatisnotall！"myvisitorrepliedmoreseriously。
　　"Itshouldbe，butitisnot；anditisforthatreasonIamcometoyou。YouknowSt。Germain？"
　　"Iknowthathisfatherandyouare——well，thatyoutakeoppositesides，"Isaidsmiling。
　　"Thatisprettywellknown，"heansweredcoldly。"Anyway，thisladistofightSt。Germainto-morrow；andnowIhearthatM。deClan，St。Germain'sfather，isforshuttinghimup。GettingaLETTREDECACHEToranythingelseyouplease，andawaywithhim。"
　　"What！St。Germain？"Isaid。
　　"No！"M。deSaintongeanswered，prolongingthesoundtotheutmost。"St。Mesmin！"
　　"Oh，"Isaid，"Isee。"
　　"Yes，"theMarquisretortedpettishly，"butIdon't。Idon'tsee。AndIbegtoremindyou，M。deRosny，thatthisladismywife'ssecondcousinthroughherstep-father，andthatIshallresentanyinterferencewithhim。IhavespentenoughanddoneenoughintheKing'sservicetohavemywishesrespectedinasmallmattersuchasthis；andIshallregardanyseverityexercisedtowardsmykinsmanasadirectoffencetomyself。
　　WhereasM。deClan，whowilldoubtlessbehereinafewminutes，is——"
　　"Butstop，"Isaid，interruptinghim，"Iheardyouspeakingofthisyoungfellowtheotherday。Youdidnottellmethenthathewasyourkinsman。"
　　"Neverthelessheis；mywife'ssecondcousin，"heansweredwithheat。
　　"Andyouwishhimto——"
　　"Beletalone！"herepliedinterruptingmeinhisturnmoreharshlythanIapproved。"Iwishhimtobeletalone。IfhewillfightSt。Germain，andkillorbekilled，isthattheKing'saffairthatheneedinterfere？Iaskfornointerference，"M。deSaintongecontinuedbitterly，"onlyforfairplayandnofavour。
　　AndforM。deClanwhoisaRepublicanatheart，andaBironist，andhasneverdoneanythingbutthwarttheKing，forhimtocomenow，and——faugh！itmakesmesick。"
　　"Yes，"Isaiddrily；"Isee。"
　　"Youunderstandme？"
　　"Yes，"Isaid，"Ithinkso。"
　　"Verywell，"herepliedhaughtily——hehadgraduallywroughthimselfintoapassion；"begoodenoughtobearmyrequestinmindthen；andmyservicesalso。Iasknomore，M。deRosny，thanisduetomeandtotheKing'shonour。"
　　Andwiththat，andscarcelyanexpressionofcivility，heleftme。Somemaywonder，Iknow，that，havingintheEdictofBlois，whichforbadeduellingandmadeitacapitaloffence，ananswertoconvinceevenhisarrogance，Ididnotusethisweapon；but，asafact，theedictwasnotpublisheduntilthefollowingJune，when，partlyinconsequenceofthisaffairandatmyinstance，theKingputitforth。
　　Saintongecouldscarcelyhaveclearedthegatesbeforehispredictionwasfulfilled。Hisenemyarrivedhotfoot，andenteredtomewithamiensomuchloweredbyanxietyandtroublethatIhardlyknewhimforthemanwhohadahundredtimesrebuffedme，andwhomtheKing'soffershadfoundconsistentlyobdurate。AllIhadeverknownofM。deClanheightenedhispresenthumilityandstrengthenedhisappeal；sothatIfeltpityforhimproportionednotonlytohisageandnecessity，buttothedepthofhisfall。Saintongehadrightlyanticipatedhisrequest；thefirst，hesaid，withatraceofhisoldpride，thathehadmadetotheKinginelevenyears:hisson，hisonlysonandonlychild——thesingleheirofhisname！Hestoppedthereandlookedatme；hiseyesbright，hislipstremblingandmovingwithoutsound，hishandsfumblingonhisknees。
　　"But，"Isaid，"yoursonwishestofight，M。deClan？"
　　Henodded。
　　"Andyoucannothinderhim？"
　　Heshruggedhisshouldersgrimly。"No，"hesaid；"heisaSt。
　　Germain。"
　　"Well，thatisjustmycase，"Ianswered。"YouseethisyoungfellowSt。Mesminwascommendedtome，andis，inamanner，ofmyhousehold；andthatisafatalobjection。Icannotpossiblyactagainsthiminthemanneryoupropose。Youmustseethat；andformywishes，herespectsthemlessthanyoursonregardsyours。"
　　M。deClanrose，tremblingalittleonhislegs，andglaringatmeoutofhisfierceoldeyes。"Verywell，"hesaid，"itisasmuchasIexpected。Timesarechanged——andfaiths——sincetheKingofNavarresleptunderthesamebushwithAntoineSt。
　　GermainonthenightbeforeCahors！Iwishyougood-day，M。leMarquis。"
　　Ineednotsaythatmysympathieswerewithhim，andthatIwouldhavehelpedhimifIcould；butinaccordancewiththemaximwhichIhaveelsewhereexplained，thathewhoplacesanyconsiderationbeforetheKing'sserviceisnotfittoconductit，IdidnotseemywaytothwartM。deSaintongeinamattersosmall。Andtheendjustifiedmyinaction；fortheduel，takingplacethatevening，resultedinnothingworsethanaserious，butnotdangerous，woundwhichSt。Mesmin，fightingwiththesamefuryasinthemorning，contrivedtoinflictonhisopponent。
　　ForsomeweeksafterthisIsawlittleoftheyoungfirebrand，thoughfromtimetotimeheattendedmyreceptionsandinvariablybehavedtomewithamodestywhichprovedthatheplacedsomeboundstohispresumption。Iheard，moreover，thatM。deSaintonge，inacknowledgmentofthetriumphovertheSt。Germainswhichhehadaffordedhim，hadtakenhimup；andthattheconnectionbetweenthefamiliesbeingpubliclyavowed，thetwoweremuchtogether。
　　Judgeofmysurprise，therefore，whenonedayalittlebeforeChristmas，M。deSaintongesoughtmeattheArsenalduringthepreparationoftheplaysandinterludes——whichwereheldtherethatyear——and，drawingmeasideintothegarden，brokeintoafurioustiradeagainsttheyoungfellow。
　　"But，"Isaid，inimmenseastonishment，"whatisthis？Ithoughtthathewasayoungmanquitetoyourmind；and——"
　　"Heismad！"heanswered。
　　"Mad？"Isaid。
　　"Yes，mad！"herepeated，strikingthegroundviolentlywithhiscane。"Starkmad，M。deRosny。Hedoesnotknowhimself！Whatdoyouthink——butitisinconceivable。Heproposestomarrymydaughter！ThispennilessadventurerhonoursMademoiselledeSaintongebyproposingforher！"
　　"Pheugh！"Isaid。"Thatisserious。"
　　"He——he！Idon'tthinkIshallevergetoverit！"heanswered。
　　"Hehas，ofcourse，seenMademoiselle？"
　　M。deSaintongenodded。
　　"Atyourhouse，doubtless？"
　　"Ofcourse！"hereplied，withasnapofrage。
　　"ThenIamafraiditisserious，"Isaid。
　　Hestaredatme，andforaninstantIthoughtthathewasgoingtoquarrelwithme。Thenheaskedmewhy。
　　Iwasnotsorrytohavethisopportunityofatonceincreasinghisuneasiness，andrequitinghisarrogance。"Because，"Isaid，"thisyoungmanappearstometobeverymuchoutofthecommon。
　　Hitherto，whateverhehassaidhewoulddo，hehasdone。YourememberCrillon？Well，Itracealikeness。St。Mesminhasmuchofhisheadlongtemperandsavagedetermination。Ifyouwilltakemyadvice，youwillproceedwithcaution。"
　　M。deSaintonge，receivingananswersolittletohismind，wasalmostburstingwithrage。"Proceedwithcaution！"hecried。
　　"Youtalkasifthethingcouldbeentertained，orasifIhadcausetofearthecoxcomb！Onthecontrary，Iintendtoteachhimalessonalittleconfinementwillcoolhistemper。Youmustgivemealetter，myfriend，andwewillclaphimintheBastilleforamonthortwo。"
　　"Impossible，"Isaidfirmly。"Quiteimpossible，M。leMarquis。"
　　M。deSaintongelookedatme，frowning。"How？"hesaidarrogantly。"Havemyservicesearnednobetteranswerthanthat？"
　　"Youforget，"Ireplied。"LetmeremindyouthatlessthanamonthagoyouaskedmenottointerferewithSt。Mesmin；andatyourinstanceIrefusedtoaccedetoM。deClan'srequestthatI
　　wouldconfinehim。Youwerethenallfornon-interference，M。deSaintonge，andIcannotblowhotandcold。Besides，tobeplainwithyou，"Icontinued，"evenifthatwerenotthecase，thisyoungfellowisinamannerundermyprotection；whichrendersitimpossibleformetomoveagainsthim。Ifyoulike，however，I
　　willspeaktohim。"
　　"Speaktohim！"M。deSaintongecried。Hewasbreathlesswithrage。Hecouldsaynomore。Itmaybeimaginedhowunpalatablemyanswerwastohim。
　　ButIwasnotdisposedtoendurehispresumptionandill-temperbeyondacertainpoint；andfeelingnosympathywithhiminadifficultywhichhehadbroughtuponhimselfbyhisspitefulness，Iansweredhimroundly。"Yes，"Isaid，"Iwillspeaktohim，ifyouplease。Butnototherwise。Icanassureyou，Ishouldnotdoitforeveryone。"
　　ButM。deSaintonge'schagrinandrageatfindinghimselfthusrebuffed，inaquarterwherehishaughtytemperhadledhimtoexpectaneasycompliance，wouldnotallowhimtostooptomyoffer。Heflungawaywithexpressionsoftheutmostresentment，andeveninthehearingofmyservantsutteredsomanyfoolishandviolentthingsagainstme，thathadmydiscretionbeennogreaterthanhisImusthavetakennoticeofthem。As，however，Ihadotherandmoreimportantaffairsuponmyhands，andithasneverbeenmypracticetohumoursuchhot-headsbyplacingmyselfonalevelwiththem，IwascontenttoleavehispunishmenttoSt。Mesmin；assuredthatinhimM。Saintongewouldfindanopponentmorecourageousandnotlessstubbornthanhimself。
　　Theeventboremeout，forwithinaweekM。deSt。Mesmin'spretensionstothehandofMademoiselledeSaintongesharedwiththeBironaffairtheattentionofallParis。Theyounglady，whosereputationandthecarewhichhadbeenspentonherbreeding，nolessthanhergiftsofpersonandcharacter，deservedabetterfate，attainedinamomentanotorietyfarfromenviable；rumour'shundredtonguesalleging，andprobablywithtruth——forwhatfathercanviewithagallantinamaiden'seyes？——thatherinclinationswereallonthesideofthepretender。Atanyrate，St。Mesminhadcreditforthem；therewastalkofstolenmeetingsandabribedwaiting-woman；andthoughsuchtaleswereprobablyasfalseasthosewhogavethemcurrencywerefair，theyobtainedcredencewiththethoughtless，andbeingrepeatedfromonetoanother，intimereachedherfather'sears，andcontributedwithSt。Mesmin'spersecutiontorenderhimalmostbesidehimself。
　　Doubtlesswithamanoflessdoggedcharacter，oronemoreamenabletoreason，theMarquiswouldhaveknownhowtodeal；butthesuccesswhichhadhithertorewardedSt。Mesmin'scourseofactionhadconfirmedtheyoungmaninhisbeliefthateverythingwastobewonbycourage；sothatthemoretheMarquisblusteredandthreatenedthemorepersistentthesuitorshowedhimself。
　　WhereverMademoiselle'spresencewastobeexpected，St。Mesminappeared，dressedintheextremeofthefashionandwearingeitherafavourmadeofhercoloursoraglovewhichheassertedthatshehadgivenhim。Throwinghimselfinherroadoneveryoccasion，heexpressedhispassionbythemostextravagantlooksandgestures；andprotectedfromtheshaftsofridiculealikebyhisself-esteemandhisprowess，didahundredthingsthatrenderedherconspicuousandmusthavecoveredanotherthanhimselfwithinextinguishablelaughter。
　　InthesecircumstancesM。deSaintongebegantofindthatthedartswhichglancedoffhisopponent'sarmourweremakinghimtheirbutt；andthathe，whohadvaluedhimselfallhislifeonastatelydignityandapride:almostSpanish，wasrapidlybecomingthelaughing-stockoftheCourt。Hisragemaybebetterimaginedthandescribed，anddoubtlesshisdaughterdidnotgounscathed。Buttheordinarycontemptuousrefusalwhichwouldhavesentanothersuitorabouthisbusinesswasofnoavailhere；hehadnoson，whileSt。Mesmin'srecklessnessrenderedtheboldestunwillingtoengagehim。Saintongefoundhimselfthereforeathiswits'end，andinthisemergencybethoughthimagainofaLETTREDECACHET。ButtheKingprovedasobdurateashisminister；partlyinaccordancewithapromisehehadmademeaboutayearbeforethathewouldnotcommonlygrantwhatIhaddenied，andpartlybecauseBiron'saffairhadnowreachedastageinwhichSaintonge'saidwasnolongerofimportance。
　　Thusrepulsed，theMarquismadeuphismindtocarryhisdaughterintothecountry；butSt。Mesminmeetingthiswiththeconfidentassertionthathewouldabductherwithinaweek，wherevershewasconfined，Saintonge，desperateasabaitedbull，andtremblingwithrage——forthethreatwasutteredatZamet'sandwasrepeatedeverywhere——avowedequallypubliclythatsincetheKingwouldgivehimnosatisfactionhewouldtakethelawintohisownhands，andservethisimpudentbraggartasGuiseservedSt。Megrin。AsM。leMarquismaintainedaconsiderablehousehold，includingsomewhowouldnotstickatatrifle，itwasthoughtlikelyenoughthathewouldcarryouthisthreat；
　　especiallyastheprovocationseemedtomanytojustifyit。St。
　　Mesminwaswarned，therefore；buthisrecklesscharacterwassowellknownthatoddswerefreelygiventhathewouldbecaughttrippingsomenight——andforthelasttime。
　　Atthisjuncture，however，anunexpectedally，andonewhoseappearanceincreasedSaintonge'sragetoanintolerableextent，tookupSt。Mesmin'squarrel。ThiswasyoungSt。Germain，who，quittinghischamber，wastobeseeneverywhereonhisantagonist'sarm。TheoldfeudbetweentheSaintGermainsandSaintongesaggravatedthenew；andmorethanonebrawltookplaceinthestreetsbetweenthetwoparties。St。Germainnevermovedwithoutfourarmedservants；heplacedothersathisfriend'sdisposal；andwhereverhewentheloudlyproclaimedwhathewoulddoifahairofSt。Mesmin'sheadwereinjured。
　　ThisseemedtoplaceaneffectualcheckonM。deSaintonge'spurpose；andmysurprisewasgreatwhen，aboutaweeklater，theyoungerSt。Germainburstinuponmeonemorning，withhisfaceinflamedwithangerandhisdressindisorder；andproclaimed，beforeIcouldriseorspeak，thatSt。Mesminhadbeenmurdered。
　　"How？"Isaid，somewhatstartled。"Andwhen？"
　　"ByM。deSaintonge！Lastnight！"heansweredfuriously。"ButIwillhavejustice；Iwillhavejustice，M。deRosny，ortheKing——"
　　Icheckedhimassternlyasmysurprisewouldletme；andwhenI
　　hadalittleabashedhim——whichwasnoteasy，forhistemperviedinstubbornnesswithSt。Mesmin's——Ilearnedtheparticulars。
　　Aboutteno'clockonthepreviousnightSt。Mesminhadreceivedanote，and，inspiteoftheremonstrancesofhisservants，hadgoneoutalone。Hehadnotreturnednorbeenseensince，andhisfriendsfearedtheworst。
　　"Butonwhatgrounds？"Isaid，astonishedtofindthatthatwasall。
　　"What！"St。Germaincried，flaringupagain。"Doyouaskonwhatgrounds？WhenM。deSaintongehastoldahundredwhathewoulddotohim！Whathewoulddo——do，Isay？Whathehasdone！"
　　"Pooh！"Isaid。"Itissomeassignation，andtherogueislateinreturning。"
　　"Anassignation，yes，"St。Germainretorted；"butonefromwhichhewillnotreturn。"
　　"Well，ifhedoesnot，gototheChevalierduGuet，"Ianswered，wavinghimoff。"Go！doyouhear？Iambusy，"Icontinued。
　　"DoyouthinkthatIamkeeperofalltheyoungsparksthatbaythemoonunderthecitizens'windows？Beoff，sir！"
　　Hewentreluctantly，mutteringvengeance；andI，afterratingMaignansoundlyforadmittinghim，returnedtomywork，supposingthatbeforenightIshouldhearofSt。Mesmin'ssafety。Butthemattertookanotherturn，forwhileIwasatdinnertheCaptainoftheWatchcametospeaktome。St。Mesmin'scaphadbeenfoundinabye-streetneartheriver，inaplacewherethereweremarksofastruggle；andhisfriendswerefurious。Highwordshadalreadypassedbetweenthetwofactions，St。GermainopenlyaccusingSaintongeofthemurder；plainly，unlesssomethingweredoneatonce，abloodyfraywasimminent。
　　"Whatdoyouthinkyourself，M。leMarchand？"Isaid，whenIhadheardhimout。
　　Heshruggedhisshoulders。"WhatcanIthink，yourExcellency？"
　　hesaid。"Whatelsewastobeexpected？"
　　"YoutakeitforgrantedthatM。deSaintongeisguilty？"
　　"Theyoungmanisgone，"heansweredpithily。
　　Inspiteofthis，Ithoughttheconclusionhasty，andcontentedmyselfwithbiddinghimseeSt。Germainandchargehimtobequiet；promisingthat，ifnecessary，themattershouldbeinvestigatedandjusticedone。IstillhadgoodhopesthatSt。
　　Mesmin'sreturnwouldclearuptheaffair，andthewholeturnouttobeafreakonhispart；butwithinafewhourstidingsthatSaintongehadtakenstepstostrengthenhishouseandwaslyingathome，refusingtoshowhimself，placedadifferentandmoreseriousaspectonthemystery。BeforenoonnextdayM。deClan，whoseinterferencesurprisedmenotalittle，waswithmetosupporthisson'spetition；andattheKing'sLEVEEnextdaySt。
　　GermainaccusedhisenemytotheKing'sface，andcausedanangryandindecentsceneinthechamber。
　　Whenamanisintroublefoesspringup，asthemoisturerisesthroughthestonesbeforeathaw。IdoubtifM。deSaintongewasnotmorecompletelysurprisedthananybythestirwhichensued，andwhichwasnotconfinedtotheSt。Germains'friends，thoughtheyheadedtheaccusers。Allwhomhehadeveroffended，andallwhohadeveroffendedhim，clamouredforjustice；whileSt。
　　Mesmin'sfaultsbeingforgottenandonlyhismeritsremembered，therewerefewwhodidnotbowtothegeneralindignation，whichtheyoungandgallant，whosawthatatanymomenthisfatemightbetheirs，didallintheirpowertofoment。Finally，thearrivalofSt。Mesminthefather，whocameupalmostbroken-
　　hearted，andwouldhaveflunghimselfattheKing'sfeetonthefirstopportunity，rousedthestormtothewildestpitch；sothat，inthefearlestM。deBiron'sfriendsshouldattemptsomethingundercoverofit，IsawtheKingandgavehimmyadvice。ThiswastosummonSaintonge，theSt。Germains，andoldSt。Mesmintohispresenceandeffectareconciliation；or，failingthat，toreferthemattertotheParliament。
　　HeagreedwithmeandchosetoreceivethemnextdayattheArsenal。Icommunicatedhiscommands，andatthehournamedwemet，theKingattendedbyRoquelaureandmyself。ButifIhadflatteredmyselfthattheKing'spresencewouldsecureadegreeofmoderationandreasonablenessIwassoonundeceived；forthoughM。deSt。Mesminhadonlyhistremblingheadandhistearstourge，ClanandhissonfelluponSaintongewithsomuchviolence——towhichherespondedbyafierceandresentfulsullennessequallydangerous——thatIfearedthatblowswouldbestruckevenbeforetheKing'sface。Lestthisshouldhappenandtheworsttraditionsofolddaysofdisorderberenewed，I
　　interposedandmanagedatlengthtoprocuresilence。
　　"Forshame，gentlemen，forshame！"theKingsaid，gnawinghismoustachiosafterafashionhehadwhenindoubt。"ItakeHeaventowitnessthatIcannotsaywhoisright！Butthisbrawlingdoesnogood。TheonefactwehaveisthatSt。Mesminhasdisappeared。"
　　"Yes，sire；andthatM。deSaintongepredictedhisdisappearance，"St。Germaincried，impulsively。"Tothedayandalmosttothehour。"
　　"Igather，deSaintonge，"theKingsaid，turningtohim，mildly，"thatyoudidusesomeexpressionsofthatkind。"
　　"Yes，sire，anddidnothinguponthem，"heansweredresentfully。
　　Buthetrembledashespoke。Hewasanoldermanthanhisantagonist，andthelatter'sviolenceshookhim。
　　"ButdoesM。deSaintongedeny，"St。GermainbrokeoutafreshbeforetheKingcouldspeak，"thatmyfriendhadmadehimaproposalforhisdaughter？andthatherejectedit？"
　　"Idenynothing！"Saintongecried，fierceandtremblingasabaitedanimal。"Forthatmatter，IwouldtoHeavenhehadhadher！"hecontinuedbitterly。
　　"Ay，soyousaynow，"theirrepressibleSt。Germainretorted，"whenyouknowthatbeisdead！"
　　"Idonotknowthatheisdead，"Saintongeanswered。"And，forthatmatter，ifhewerealiveandherenowheshouldhaveher。I
　　amtired；Ihavesufferedenough。"
　　"What！DoyoutelltheKing，"theyoungfellowrepliedincredulously，"thatifSt。Mesminwerehereyouwouldgivehimyourdaughter？"
　　"Ido——Ido！"theotherexclaimedpassionately。"Toberidofhim，andyou，andallyourcrew！"
　　"Tut，tut！"theKingsaid。"Whateverbetides，Iwillanswerforit，youshallhaveprotectionandjustice，M。deSaintonge。Anddoyou，youngsir，besilent。Besilent，doyouhear！Wehavehadtoomuchnoiseintroducedintothisalready。"
　　Heproceededthentoaskcertaindetails，andparticularlythehouratwhichSt。Mesminhadbeenlastseen。Notwithstandingthatthesefactswereinthemainmattersofcommonagreement，somewranglingtookplaceoverthem；whichwasonlybroughttoanendatlastinamannersufficientlystartling。TheKingwithhisusualthoughtfulnesshadbiddenSt。Mesminbeseated。Onasuddentheoldmanrose；Iheardhimutteracryofamazement，andfollowingthedirectionofhiseyesIlookedtowardsthedoor。Therestoodhisson！
　　Atanappearancesounexpectedadozenexclamationsfilledtheair；buttodescribethescenewhichensuedorthevariousemotionsthatwereevincedbythisorthatperson，assurpriseorinterestoraffectionmovedthem，wereataskonwhichIamnotinclinedtoenter。SufficeitthattheforemostandtheloudestintheseexpressionsofadmirationwasyoungSt。Germain；andthattheKing，afterglancingfromfacetofaceinpuzzledperplexity，begantomakeashrewdguessatthetruth。
　　"Thisisaverytimelyreturn，M。deSt。Mesmin，"hesaiddrily。
　　"Yes，sire，"theyoungimpertinentanswered，notawhitabashed。
　　"Verytimely，indeed。"
　　"Yes，sire。AndthemoreasSt。GermaintellsmethatM。deSaintongeinhisclemencyhasreconsideredmyclaims；andhasundertakentousethatinfluencewithMademoisellewhich——"
　　ButonthatwordM。deSaintonge，comprehendingtheRUSEbywhichhehadbeenovercome，cuthimshort；cryingoutinaragethathewouldseehiminperditionfirst。However，weallimmediatelytooktheMarquisinhand，andmadeitourbusinesstoreconcilehimtothenotion；theKingevenmakingaspecialappealtohim，andpromisingthatSt。Mesminshouldneverwanthisgoodoffices。
　　Underthispressure，andconfrontedbyhissolemnundertaking，Saintongeatlastandwithreluctancegaveway。AttheKing'sinstance，heformallygavehisconsenttoamatchwhicheffectuallysecuredSt。Mesmin'sfortunes，andwasasmuchaboveanythingtheyoungfellowcouldreasonablyexpectashisaudacityandcoolnessexceededthecommonconceitofcourtiers。
　　ManymuststillrememberSt。Mesmin；thoughanattackofthesmall-pox，whichdisfiguredhimbeyondtheordinary，ledhimtoleaveParissoonafterhismarriage。Hewasconcerned，I
　　believe，inthelateill-advisedrisingintheVivarais；andatthattimehiswifestilllived。ButforsomeyearspastIhavenotheardhisname，andonlynowrecallitasthatofonewhoseadventures，thrustonmyattention，formedanamusinginterludeinthemoreseriouscareswhichnowdemandournotice。
　　V。THELOSTCIPHER。
　　ImightspendmanyhoursindescribingtheimpressionwhichthisgreatSovereignmadeuponmymind；butifthepartwhichshetookintheconversationIhavedetaileddoesnotsufficientlyexhibitthosequalitiesofwillandintellectwhichmadehertheworthycompeeroftheKingmymaster，Ishouldlabourinvain。
　　Moreover，mystayinherneighbourhood，thoughRaleighandGriffinshowedmeeverycivility，wasshort。Anhouraftertakingleaveofher，onthe15thofAugust，1601，IsailedfromDover，andcrossingtoCalaiswithoutmishapanticipatedwithpleasuretheKing'ssatisfactionwhenheshouldheartheresultofmymission，andlearnfrommymouththejustandfriendlysentimentswhichQueenElizabethentertainedtowardshim。
　　UnfortunatelyIwasnotabletoimparttheseontheinstant。
　　DuringmyabsenceatriflingmatterhadcarriedtheKingtoDieppe，whencehisanxietyonthequeen'saccount，whowasshortlytobebroughttobed，ledhimtotaketheroadtoParis。
　　Hesentwordtometofollowhim，butnecessarilysomedayselapsedbeforewemet；anopportunityofwhichhisenemiesandminewerequicktotakeadvantage，andthatsoinsidiouslyandwithsomuchsuccessastoimperilnotmyreputationonlybuthishappiness。
　　Thetimeattheirdisposalwasincreasedbythefact；thatwhenI
　　reachedtheArsenalIfoundtheLouvrevacant，thequeen，wholayatFontainebleau，havingsummonedtheKingthither。Ferret，hissecretary，however，awaitedmewithaletter，inwhichHenry，afterexpressinghisdesiretoseewe，bademeneverthelessstayinParisadaytotransactsomebusiness。"Then，"hecontinued，"cometome，myfriend，andwewilldiscussthematterofwhichyouknow。InthemeantimesendmeyourpapersbyFerret，whowillgiveyouareceiptforthem。"
　　Suspectingnodangerinacoursewhichwasusualenough，I
　　hastenedtocomply。SummoningMaignan，who，wheneverI
　　travelled，carriedmyportfolio，Iunlockedit，andemptyingthepapersinamassonthetable，handedthemindetailtoFerret。
　　Presently，tomyastonishment，Ifoundthatone，andthisthemostimportant，wasmissing。Iwentoverthepapersagain，andagain，andyetagain。Stillitwasnottobefound。
　　ItwillberememberedthatwheneverItravelledonamissionofimportanceIwrotemydespatchesinoneofthreemodes，accordingastheywereoflittle，great，orthefirstimportance；inordinarycharactersthatis，inaciphertowhichthecouncilpossessedthekey，orinaciphertowhichonlytheKingandI
　　heldkeys。Thislast，asitwasseldomused，wasrarelychanged；
　　butitwasmyduty，onmyreturnfromeachmission，immediatelytoremitmykeytotheKing，whodepositeditinasafeplaceuntilanotheroccasionforitsusearose。
　　Itwasthiskeywhichwasmissing。Ihadbeenaccustomedtocarryitintheportfoliowiththeotherpapers；butinasealedenvelopewhichIbrokeandagainsealedwithmyownsignetwheneverIhadoccasiontousethecipher。IhadlastseentheenvelopeatCalais，whenIhandedtheportfoliotoMaignanbeforebeginningmyjourneytoParis；theportfoliohadnotsincebeenopened，yetthesealedpacketwasmissing。
　　Morethanalittleuneasy，IrecalledMaignan，whohadwithdrawnafterdeliveringuphischarge，"Yourascal！"Isaidwithsomeheat。"Hasthisbeenoutofyourcustody？"
　　"Thebag？"heanswered，lookingatit。Thenhisfacechanged。
　　"Youhavecutyourfinger，mylord，"hesaid。
　　Ihadcutitslightlyinunbucklingtheportfolio，andadroportwoofbloodhadfallenonthepapers。Buthisreferencetoitatthismoment，whenmymindwasfullofmyloss，angeredme，andevenawokemysuspicions。"Silence！"Isaid，"andanswerme。
　　Haveyouletthisbagoutofyourpossession？"Thistimeherepliedstraightforwardlythathehadnot。
　　"Norunlockedit？"
　　"Ihavenokey，yourexcellency。"
　　Thatwastrue；andasIhadatbottomtheutmostconfidenceinhisfidelity，Ipursuedtheinquirynofartherinthatdirection，butmadeathirdsearchamongthepapers。Thisalsofailingtobringthepackettolight，andFerretbeinginhastetobegone，Iwasobligedforthemomenttoputupwiththeloss，anddrawwhatcomfortIcouldfromthereflectionthat，nodespatchinthemissingcipherwasextant。Whoeverhadstolenit，therefore，anothercouldbesubstitutedforitandnoonetheworse。StillIwasunwillingthattheKingshouldhearofthemischancefromastranger，andbeledtothinkmecareless；andIbadeFerretbesilentaboutitunlessHenrymissedthepacket，whichmightnothappenbeforemyarrival。
　　Whenthesecretary，whoreadilyassented，hadgivenmehisreceiptandwasgone，IquestionedMaignanafreshandmoreclosely，butwithnoresult。HehadnotseenmeplacethepacketintheportfolioatCalais，andthatIhaddonesoIcouldvouchonlymyownmemory，whichIknewtobefallible。Inthemeantime，thoughthemischanceannoyedme，Iattachednogreatimportancetoit；butanticipatingthatawordofexplanationwouldsatisfytheKing，andanewcipherdisposeofotherdifficulties，Idismissedthematterfrommymind。
　　Twenty-fourhourslater，however，Iwasrudelyawakened。A
　　courierarrivedfromHenry，andsurprisingmeinthemidstofmylastpreparationsattheArsenal，handedmeanordertoattendhisMajesty；anordercouchedinthemostabsoluteandperemptoryterms，andlackingallthosefriendlyexpressionswhichtheKingneverfailedtousewhenhewrotetome。Amissivesobriefandsoformal——andsoneedless，forIwasonthepointofstarting——
　　hadnotreachedmeforyears；andcomingatthismomentwhenI
　　hadnoreasontoexpectareverseoffortune，ithadalltheeffectofathunder-boltinaclearsky。Istoodstunned，thewordswhichIwasdictatingtomysecretarydyingonmylips。
　　ForIknewtheKingtoowell，andhadexperiencedhiskindnesstoolatelytoattributetheharshnessoftheordertochanceorforgetfulness；andassuredinamomentthatIstoodfacetofacewithagravecrisis，Ifoundmyselfhardputtoittohidemyfeelingsfromthoseaboutme。
　　Nevertheless，Ididsowithalleffort；and，sendingforthecourieraskedhimwithanassumptionofcarelessnesswhatwasthelatestnewsatCourt。Hisanswer，inameasure，calmedmyfears，thoughitcouldnotremovethem。Hereportedthatthequeenhadbeentakenillorsotherumourwent。
　　"Suddenly？"Isaid。
　　"Thismorning，"heanswered。
　　"TheKingwaswithher？"
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。"
　　"Hadheleftherlongwhenhesentthisletter？"
　　"Itcamefromherchamber，yourexcellency。"
　　"But——didyouunderstandthatherMajestywasindanger？"I
　　urged。
　　Astothat，however，themancouldnotsayanything；andIwaslefttonursemyconjecturesduringthelongridetoFontainebleau，wherewearrivedinthecooloftheevening，thelaststagethroughtheforestawakeningmemoriesofpastpleasurethatcombatedinvainthedisorderandapprehensionwhichheldmyspirits。Dismountingintheduskatthedoorofmyapartments，I
　　foundafreshsurpriseawaitingmeintheshapeofM。deConcini，theItalian；whoadvancingtomeetmebeforemyfootwasoutofthestirrup，announcedthathecamefromtheKing，whodesiredmyinstantattendanceinthequeen'scloset。
　　KnowingConcinitobeoneofthosewhoseinfluencewithherMajestyhadmorethanoncetemptedtheKingtothemostviolentmeasuresagainsther——fromwhichIhadwithdifficultydissuadedhim——Iauguredtheworstfromthechoiceofsuchamessenger；andwoundedalikeinmyprideandtheaffectioninwhichIheldtheKing，couldscarcelyfindwordsinwhichtoaskhimifthequeenwasill。
　　"Indisposed，mylord，"herepliedcarelessly。Andhebegantowhistle。
　　ItoldhimthatIwouldremovemybootsandbrushoffthedust，andinfiveminutesbeathisservice。
　　"Pardonme，"hesaid，"myordersarestrict；andtheyaretorequestyoutoattendhisMajestyimmediately。Heexpectedyouanhourago。"
　　Iwasthunderstruckatthis——atthemessage，andattheman'smanner；andforamomentIcouldscarcelyrestrainmyindignation。Fortunatelythehabitofself-controlcametomyaidintime，andIreflectedthatanaltercationwithsuchapersoncouldonlylowermydignity。Icontentedmyself，therefore，withsignifyingmyassentbyanod，andwithoutmoreadofollowedhimtowardsthequeen'sapartments。
　　Intheante-chamberwereseveralpersons，whoasIpassedsalutedmewithanairofshynessandincertitudewhichwasenoughofitselftoputmeonmyguard。Conciniattendedmetothedoorofthechamber；therehefellback，andMademoiselleGaligai，whowasinwaiting，announcedme。Ientered，assumingaserenecountenance，andfoundtheKingandqueentogether，nootherpersonbeingpresent。Thequeenwaslyingatlengthonacouch，whileHenry，seatedonastoolatherfeet，seemedtobeengagedinsoothingandreassuringher。Onmyentrance，hebrokeoffandrosetohisfeet。
　　"Hereheisatlast，"hesaid，barelylookingatme。"Now，ifyouwill，dearheartaskhimyourquestions。Ihavehadnocommunicationwithhim，asyouknow，forIhavebeenwithyousincemorning。"
　　Thequeen，whosefacewasflushedwithfever，madeafretfulmovementbutdidnotanswer。
　　"Doyouwishmetoaskhim？"Henrysaidwithadmirablepatience。
　　"Ifyouthinkitisworthwhile，"shemuttered，turningsullenlyandeyeingmefromthemiddleofherpillowswithdisdainandill-temper。
　　"Iwill，then，"heanswered，andheturnedtome。"M。deRosny，"
　　hesaidinaformaltone，whichevenwithouttheunaccustomedmonsieurcutmetotheheart，"begoodenoughtotellthequeenhowthekeytomysecretcipher，whichIentrustedtoyou，hascometobeinMadamedeVerneuil'spossession。"
　　Ilookedathimintheprofoundestastonishment，andforamomentremainedsilent，tryingtocollectmythoughtsunderthisunexpectedblow。Thequeensawmyhesitationandlaughedspitefully。"Iamafraid，sire，"shesaid，"thatyouhaveoverratedthisgentleman'singenuity，thoughdoubtlessithasbeenmuchexercisedinyourservice。"
　　Henry'sfacegrewredwithvexation。"Speak，man！"hecried。
　　"Howcameshebyit？"
　　"MadamedeVerneuil？"Isaid。
　　Thequeenlaughedagain。"Hadyounotbettertakehimoutfirst，sir，"shesaidscornfully，"andtellhimwhattosay？"
　　"'ForeGod，madame，"theKingcriedpassionately，"youtrymetoofar！HaveInottoldyouahundredtimes，andsworntoyou，thatIdidnotgiveMadamedeVerneuilthiskey？"
　　"Ifyoudidnotgiveherthat，"thequeenmutteredsullenly，pickingatthesilkencoverletwhichlayonherfeet，"youhavegivenherallelse。Youcannotdenyit。"
　　Henryletagestureofdespairescapehim。"Arewetogobacktothat？"hesaid。Thenturningtome，"Tellher，"hesaidbetweenhisteeth；"andtellme。VENTRESAINTGRIS——areyoudumb，man？"
　　Discerningnothingforitatthemomentsavetobowbeforethisstorm，whichhadarisensosuddenly，andfromaquartertheleastexpected，Ihastenedtocomply。Ihadnotproceededfarwithmystory，however——whichfellshort，ofcourse，ofexplaininghowthekeycametobeinMadamedeVerneuil'shands——beforeIsawthatitwonnocredencewiththequeen，butratherconfirmedherinherbeliefthattheKinghadgiventoanotherwhathehaddeniedtoher。Andmore；Isawthatinproportionasthetalefailedtoconvinceher，itexcitedtheKing'swrathanddisappointment。Heseveraltimescutmeshortwithexpressionsoftheutmostimpatience，andatlast，whenIcametoalameconclusion——sinceIcouldexplainnothingexceptthatthekeywasgone——hecouldrestrainhimselfnolonger。Inatoneinwhichhehadneveraddressedmebefore，heaskedmewhyIhadnot，ontheinstant，communicatedthelosstohim；andwhenIwouldhavedefendedmyselfbyadducingthereasonIhavegivenabove，overwhelmedmewithabuseandreproaches，which，astheywereutteredinthequeen'spresence，andwouldberepeated，Iknew，totheConcinisandGaligaisofhersuite，whohadnooccasiontoloveme，carriedadoublesting。
　　Nevertheless，foratime，anduntilhehadsomewhatwornhimselfout，IletHenryproceed。Then，takingadvantageofthefirstpause，Iinterposed。Remindinghimthathehadneverhadcausetoaccusemeofcarelessnessbefore，Irecalledthetwenty-twoyearsduringwhichIhadservedhimfaithfully，andtheenmitiesIhadincurredforhissake；andhavingbythesemeansplacedthediscussiononamoreequalfooting，Idescendedagaintoparticulars，andaskedrespectfullyifImightknowonwhoseauthorityMadamedeVerneuilwassaidtohavethecipher。
　　"Onherown！"thequeencriedhysterically。"Don'ttrytodeceiveme，——foritwillbeinvain。Iknowshehasit；andiftheKingdidnotgiveittoher，whodid？"
　　"Thatisthequestion，madam，"Isaid。
　　"Itisoneeasilyanswered，"sheretorted。"Ifyoudonotknow，askher。"
　　"But，perhaps，madam，shewillnotanswer，"Iventured。
　　"ThencommandhertoanswerintheKing'sname！"thequeenreplied，hercheeksburningwithfever。"Andifshewillnot，thenhastheKingnoprisons——nofetterssmoothenoughforthosedaintyankles？"
　　Thiswasahomequestion，andHenry，whonevershowedtolessadvantagethanwhenhestoodbetweentwowomen，castasheepishglanceatme。Unfortunatelythequeencaughtthelook，whichwasnotintendedforher；andontheinstantitawokeallherformersuspicions。Supposingthatshehaddiscoveredourcollusion，sheflungherselfbackwithacryofrage，andburstingintoapassionoftears，gavewaytofranticreproaches，wailingandthrowingherselfaboutwithaviolencewhichcouldnotbutinjureoneinhercondition。
　　TheKingstaredatherforamomentinsheerdismay。Thenhischagrinturnedtoanger；which，ashedarednotventitonher，tookmydirection。Hepointedimpetuouslytothedoor。"Begone，sir！"hesaidinapassion，andwiththeutmostharshness。"Youhavedonemischiefenoughhere。Godgrantthatweseetheendofit！Go——go！"hecontinued，quitebesidehimselfwithfury。
　　"SendGaligaihere，anddoyougotoyourlodginguntilyouhearfromme！"
　　Overwhelmedandalmoststupefiedbythecatastrophe，IfoundmywayoutIhardlyknewhow，andsendinginthewoman，mademyescapefromtheante-chamber。ButhastenasImight，mydisorder，patenttoahundredcuriouseyes，betrayedme；and，ifitdidnotdiscloseasmuchasIfearedortheinquisitivedesired，toldmorethananyhadlookedtolearn。WithinanhouritwasknownatNemoursthathisMajestyhaddismissedmewithhighwords——somesaidwithablow；andhalfadozencourierswereontheroadtoPariswiththenews。
　　Inmyplacesomemighthavegivenupallforlost；butinadditiontoasenseofrectitude，andtheconsciousnessofdesert，IhadtosupportmeanintimateknowledgeoftheKing'stemper；which，thoughIhadneversufferedfromittothisextentbefore，Iknewtobeonoccasionashotashisangerwasshortlived，andhisdispositiongenerous。Ihadhopes，therefore——
　　althoughIsawdullfacesenoughamongmysuite，andsomepaleones——thattheKing'srepentancewouldovertakehisanger，anditsconsequencesoutstripanythatmightflowfromhiswrath。
　　ButthoughIwasnotaltogetheratfaultinthis，Ifailedtotakeintoaccountonething——ImeanHenry'sanxietyonthequeen'saccount，hercondition，andhisdesiretohaveanheir；
　　whichsoaffectedtheissue，thatinsteadoffulfillingmyexpectationstheeventleftmemoredespondentthanbefore。TheKingwrote，indeed，andwithinthehour，andhisletterwasinformanapology。Butitwassolackingingraciousness；sostiff，thoughitbegan"MygoodfriendRosny，"andsoinsincere，thoughitreferredtomypastservices，thatwhenIhadreaditI
　　stoodawhilegazingatit，afraidtoturnlestDeVicandVarennes，whohadbroughtit，shouldreadmydisappointmentinmyface。
　　ForIcouldnothidefrommyselfthatthegistoftheletterlay，notintheexpressionsofregretwhichopenedit，butinthecomplaintwhichclosedit；whereintheKingsullenlyexcusedhisoutbreakonthegroundofthemagnitudeoftheinterestswhichmycarelessnesshadendangeredandtheopeningtoharassthequeenwhichIhadheedlesslygiven。"Thiscipher，"hesaid，"haslongbeenawhimwithmywife，fromwhom，forgoodreasonswellknowntoyouandconnectedwiththeGrandDuke'sCourt，Ihavethoughtfittowithholdit。NownothingwillpersuadeherthatIhavenotgrantedtoanotherwhatIrefusedher。Itremble，myfriend，lestyoubefoundtohavedonemoreilltoFranceinamomentofcarelessnessthanallyourserviceshavedonegood。"
　　Itwasnotdifficulttofindathreatunderlyingthesewords，nortodiscernthatifthequeen'sfancyremainedunshaken，andillcameofit，theKingwouldhardlyforgiveme。Recognisingthis，andthatIwasfacetofacewithacrisisfromwhichIcouldnotescapebutbytheuseofmyutmostpowers，Iassumedaseriousandthoughtfulair；andwithoutaffectingtodisguisethefactthattheKingwasdispleasedwithme，dismissedtheenvoyswithafewcivilspeeches，inwhichIdidnotfailtospeakofhisMajestyintermsthatevenmalevolencecouldnottwisttomydisadvantage。
　　Whentheyweregone，doubtlesstotellHenryhowIhadtakenit，IsatdowntosupperwithLaFont，Boisrueil，andtwoorthreegentlemenofmysuite；and，withoutappearingtoocheerful，contrivedtoeatwithmyusualappetite。AfterwardsIwithdrewintheordinarycoursetomychamber，andbeingnowatlibertytolookthesituationintheface，founditasseriousasIhadfeared。Thefallingmanhasfewfriends；hemustactquicklyifhewouldretainany。Iwasnotslowindecidingthatmysolechanceofanhonourableescapelayindiscovering——andthatwithinafewhours——whostolethecipherandconveyedittoMadamedeVerneuil；andinplacingbeforethequeensuchevidenceofthisasmustconvinceher。
　　Bywayofbeginning，IsummonedMaignanandputhimthroughasevereexamination。Later，Isentfortherestofmyhousehold——
　　such，Imean，ashadaccompaniedme——andrangingthemagainstthewallsofmychamber，tookaflambeauinmyhandandwenttheroundofthem，questioningeach，andmarkinghisairandaspectasheanswered。Butwithnoresult；sothatafterfollowingsomecluestonopurpose，andsuspectingseveralpersonswhoclearedthemselvesonthespot，Ibecameassuredthatthechainmustbetakenupattheotherend，andthefirstlinkfoundamongMadamedeVerneuil'sfollowing。
　　Bythistimeitwasnearlymidnight，andmypeopleweredroppingwithfatigue。Nevertheless，asenseofthedesperatenatureofthecaseanimatingthem，theyformedthemselvesvoluntarilyintoakindofcouncil，allfeelingtheirprobityattacked；inwhichvariousmodesofforcingthesecretfromthosewhohelditwereproposed——Maignan'ssuggestionsbeingespeciallyviolent。
　　Doubting，however，whetherMadamehadmorethanoneconfidante，I
　　secretlymadeupmymindtoacoursewhichnonedaredtosuggest；
　　andthendismissingalltobed，keptonlyMaignantolieinmychamber，thatifanypointsoccurredtomeinthenightImightquestionhimonthem。
　　Atfouro'clockIcalledhim，andbadehimgooutquietlyandsaddletwohorses。Thisdone，Islippedoutmyselfwithoutarousinganyone，andmountingatthestables，tooktheOrleansroadthroughtheforest。Myplanwastostrikeatthehead，andsurprisingMadamedeVerneuilwhiletheevent；stillhunguncertain，towrestthesecretfromherbytrickorthreat。Theenterprisewasdesperate，forIknewthestubbornnessandarroganceofthewoman，andtheinveterateenmitywhichsheentertainedtowardsme，moreparticularlysincetheKing'smarriage。Butinadangerouscaseanyremedyiswelcome。
　　IreachedMalesherbes，whereMadamewasresidingwithherparents，alittlebeforeseveno'clock，andridingwithoutdisguisetothechateaudemandedtoseeher。Shewasnotyetrisen，andtheservants，whommyappearancethrewintotheutmostconfusion，objectedthistome；butIknewthattheexcusewasnorealone，andansweredroughlythatIcamefromtheKing，andmustseeher。Thisopenedalldoors，andinamomentIfoundmyselfinherchamber。Shewassittingupinbed，clothedinanelegantnightrail，andseemedinnowisesurprisedtoseeme。Onthecontrary，shegreetedmewithasmileandatauntingword；
　　andomittednothingthatmightevinceherdisdainorhurtmydignity。Sheletmeadvancewithoutofferingmeachair；andwhen，aftersalutingher，Ilookedaboutforone，Ifoundthatalltheseatsexceptoneverylowstoolhadbeenremovedfromtheroom。
　　Thiswassolikeherthatitdidnotastonishme，andIbaffledhermalicebyleaningagainstthewall。"Thisisnoordinaryhonour——fromM。deRosny！"shesaid，floutingmewithhereyes。
　　"Icomeonnoordinarymission，madame，"IsaidasgravelyasI
　　could。
　　"Mercy！"sheexclaimedinamockingtone。"Ishouldhaveputonnewribbons，Isuppose！"
　　"FromtheKing，madame，"Icontinued，notallowingmyselftohemoved，"toinquirehowyouobtainedpossessionofhiscipher。"
　　Shelaughedloudly。"Good，simpleKing，"shesaid，"toaskwhatheknowsalready！"
　　"Hedoesnotknow，madame，"Iansweredseverely。
　　"What？"shecried，inaffectedsurprise。"Whenhegaveittomehimself！"
　　"Hedidnot，madame。"
　　"Hedid，sir！"sheretorted，firingup。"Orifhedidnot，proveit——proveit！And，bytheway，"shecontinued，loweringhervoiceagain，andrevertingtoherformertoneofspitefulbadinage，"howisthedearqueen？Iheardthatshewasindisposedyesterday，andkepttheKinginattendanceallday。
　　Sounfortunate，youknow，justatthistime。"Andhereyestwinkledwithmaliciousamusement。
　　"Madame，"Isaid，"mayIspeakplainlytoyou？"
　　"Ineverheardthatyoucouldspeakotherwise，"sheansweredquickly。"EvenhisfriendsnevercalledM。deRosnyawit；butonlyaplain，roughmanwhoservedourroyalturnwellenoughinroughtimes；butisnowgrowing——"
　　"Madame！"
　　"Atrifleexigeantandsuperfluous。"
　　Afterthat，Isawthatitwaswartotheknifebetweenus；andI
　　askedherinveryplaintermsIfshewerenotafraidofthequeen'senmity，thatshedaredthustoflaunttheKing'sfavoursbeforeher。
　　"NomorethanIamafraidofyours，"sheansweredhardily。
　　"ButiftheKingisdisappointedinhishopes？"
　　"Youmaysuffer；veryprobablywill，"sheanswered，slowlyandsmiling，"notI。Besides，sir——mychildwasborndead。Heborethatverywell。"
　　"Yet，believeme，madame，yourunsomerisk。"
　　"InkeepingwhattheKinghasgivenme？"sheanswered，raisinghereyebrows。
　　"No！InkeepingwhattheKinghasnotgivenyou！"Iansweredsternly。"Whereas，whatdoyougain？"
　　"Well，"shereplied，raisingherselfinthebed，whilehereyessparkledandhercolourrose，"ifyoulike，Iwilltellyou。
　　Thispleasure，foronething——thepleasureofseeingyouthere，awkward，booted，stained，andstanding，waitingmywill。That——
　　whichperhapsyoucallapettything——Igainfirstofall。ThenIgainyourruin，M。deRosny；Iplantastinginthatwoman'sbreast；andforhisMajesty，hehasmadehisbedandmaylieonit。"
　　"Haveacare，madame！"Icried，burstingwithindignationataspeechsoshamelessanddisloyal。"Youareplayingadangerousgame，Iwarnyou！"
　　"Andwhatgamehaveyouplayed？"shereplied，transportedonasuddenwithequalpassion。"WhowasittoreupthepromiseofmarriagewhichtheKinggaveme？WhowasitpreventedmebeingQueenofFrance？Whowasithurriedonthematchwiththistradeswoman，sothattheKingfoundhimselfwedded，beforeheknewit？Whowasit——butenough；enough！"shecried，interruptingherselfwithagesturefullofrage。"Youhaveruinedme，youandyourqueenbetweenyou，andIwillruinyou！"
　　"Onthecontrary，madame，"Ianswered，collectingmyselfforalasteffort，andspeakingwithalltheseveritywhichajustindignationinspired，"Ihavenotruinedyou。ButifyoudonottellmethatwhichIamheretolearn——Iwill！"
　　Shelaughedoutloud。"Oh，yousimpleton！"shesaid。"Andyoucallyourselfastatesman！DoyounotseethatifIdonottellit，youaredisgracedyourselfandpowerless，andcandomenoharm？Tellityou？WhenIhaveyouallonthehip——you，theKing，thequeen！Notforamillioncrowns，M。deRosny！"
　　"Andthatisyouranswer，madame？"Isaid，chokingwithrage。
　　Ithadbeenlongsinceanyhaddaredsotobeardme。
　　"Yes，"sherepliedstoutly；"itis！Or，stay；youshallnotgoempty-handed。"Andthrustingherarmunderthepillowshedrewout，afteramoment'ssearch，asmallpacket，whichsheheldouttowardsme。"Takeit！"shesaid，withatauntinglaugh。"Ithasservedmyturn。WhattheKinggaveme，Igiveyou。"
　　Seeingthatitwasthemissingkeytothecipher，Iswallowedmyrageandtookit；andbeingassuredbythistimethatIcouldeffectnothingbystayinglonger，butshouldonlyexposemyselftofreshinsults，Iturnedonmyheel，withrudenessequaltoherown，and，withouttakingleaveofher，flungthedooropenandwentout。Iheardherthrowherselfbackwithashrilllaughoftriumph。Butas，themomentthedoorfelltobehindme，mythoughtsbegantocastaboutforanotherwayofescape——thisfailing——Itooklittleheedofher，andlessofthederisivelookstowhichthehousehold，quicklytakingthecue，treatedmeasIpassed。Iflungmyselfintothesaddleandgallopedoff，followedbyMaignan，whopresently，tomysurprise，blurtedoutaclumsywordofcongratulation。
　　Iturnedonhiminamazement，and，swearingathim，askedhimwhathemeant。
　　"Youhavegotit，"hesaidtimidly，pointingtothepacketwhichImechanicallyheldinmyhand。
　　"Andtowhatpurpose？"Icried，gladofthisopportunityofunloadingsomeofmywrath。"Iwant，notthepaper，butthesecret，fool！YoumayhavethepaperforyourselfifyouwilltellmehowMadamegotit。"
　　Nevertheless，hiswordsledmetolookatthepacket。Iopenedit，and，havingsatisfiedmyselfthatitcontainedtheoriginalandnotacopy，wasputtingitupagainwhenmyeyesfellonasmallspotofbloodwhichmarkedonecornerofthecover。Itwasnotlargerthanagrainofcorn，butitawoke，first，avagueassociationandthenamemory，whichasIrodegrewstrongerandmoredefinite，until，onasudden，discoveryflasheduponme——andthetruth。IrememberedwhereIhadseenspotsofbloodbefore——onthepapersIhadhandedtoFerretandremembered，too，wherethatbloodhadcomefrom。Ilookedatthecutnow，and，findingitnearlyhealed，spranginmysaddle。Ofacertaintythispaperhadgonethroughmyhandsthatday！Ithadbeenamongtheothers；thereforeitmusthavebeenpassedtoFerretinsideanotherwhenIfirstopenedthebag！Therogue，gettingitandseeinghisopportunity，andthatIdidnotsuspect，haddoubtlesssecretedit，probablywhileIwasattendingtomyhand。
　　Ihadnotsuspectedhimbefore，becauseIhadtickedofftheearlierpapersasIhandedthemtohim；andhadsearchedonlyamongtherestandinthebagforthemissingone。NowI
　　wonderedthatIhadnotdoneso，andseenthetruthfromthebeginning；andinmyimpatienceIfoundtheleaguesthroughtheforest，thoughthesunwasnotyethighandthetreesshelteredus，thelongestIhadriddeninmylife。Whentheroofsofthechateauatlengthappearedbeforeus，Icouldscarcelykeepmypacewithinbounds。ReflectinghowMadamedeVerneuilhadover-
　　reachedherself，andhow，byindulginginthatlaststrokeofarrogance，shehadplacedthesecretinmyhands，IhadmuchadotorefrainfromgoingtotheKingbootedandunwashedasIwas；
　　andthoughIhadnoteatensincethepreviousevening。However，thehabitofpropriety，whichnomanmaylightlyneglect，cametomyaid。Imademytoilet，and，havingbrokenmyfaststanding，hastenedtotheCourt。OnthewayIlearnedthattheKingwasinthequeen'sgarden，and，directingmystepsthither，foundhimwalkingwithmycolleagues，VilleroyandSillery，inthelittleavenuewhichleadstothegardenoftheConciergerie。Anumberofthecourtierswerestandingonthelowterracewatchingthem，whileasecondgrouploungedaboutthequeen'sstaircase。FullofthenewswhichIhadfortheKing，Icrossedtheterrace；
　　takingnoparticularheedofanyone，butgreetingsuchascameinmywayinmyusualfashion。AttheedgeoftheterraceIpausedamomentbeforedescendingthethreesteps；andatthesamemoment，asithappened，Henrylookedup，andoureyesmet。Ontheinstantheavertedhisgaze，and，turningonhisheelinamarkedway，retiredslowlytothefartherendofthewalk。
　　TheactionwassodeliberatethatIcouldnotdoubthemeanttoslightme；andIpausedwhereIwas，dividedbetweengriefandindignation，amarkforallthoseglancesandwhisperedgibesinwhichcourtiersindulgeonsuchoccasions。TheslightwasnotrenderedlessseriousbythefactthattheKingwaswalkingwithmytwocolleagues；sothatIaloneseemedtobeoutofhisconfidence，asonesoontobeoutofhiscouncilsalso。
　　Iperceivedallthis，andwasnotblindtothesneeringsmileswhichwereexchangedbehindmyback；butIaffectedtoseenothing，andtobeabsorbedinsuddenthought。InaminuteortwotheKingturnedandcamebacktowardsme；andagain，asifhecouldnotrestrainhiscuriosity，lookedupsothatoureyesmet。
　　ThistimeIthoughtthathewouldbeckonmetohim，satisfiedwiththelengthstowhichhehadalreadycarriedhisdispleasure。
　　Butheturnedagain，withalightlaugh。
　　Atthisacourtier，oneofSillery'screatures，whohadpresumedontheoccasionsofarastocometomyelbow，thoughtthathemightsafelyamusehimselfwithme。"IamafraidthattheKinggrowsolder，M。deRosny，"hesaid，smirkingathiscompanions。
　　"Hissightseemstobefailing。"
　　"Itshouldnotbeneglectedthen，"Isaidgrimly。"Iwilltellhimpresentlywhatyousay。"
　　Hefellback，lookingfoolishatthat，attheverymomentthatHenry，havingtakenanotherturn，dismissedVilleroy，who，wiserthanthepuppyatmyelbow，greetedmewithparticularcivilityashepassed。Freedfromhim，Henrystoodamomenthesitating。
　　Hetoldmeafterwardsthathehadnotturnedfrommeayardbeforehisheartsmotehim；andthatbutforamischievouscuriositytoseehowIshouldtakeit，hewouldnothavecarriedthemattersofar。Bethatasitmay——andIdonotdoubtthis，anymorethanIeverdoubtedtherealityoftheaffectioninwhichheheldme——onasuddenheraisedhishandandbeckonedtome。
　　Iwentdowntohimgravely，andnothurriedly。Helookedatmewithsomesignsofconfusioninhisface。"Youarelatethismorning，"hesaid。
　　"IhavebeenonyourMajesty'sbusiness，"Ianswered。
　　"Idonotdoubtthat，"herepliedquerulously，hiseyeswandering。"Iamnot——Iamtroubledthismorning。"Andafterafashionhehadwhenhewasnotathisease，hegroundhisheelintothesoilandlookeddownatthemark。"Thequeenisnotwell。Silleryhasseenher，andwilltellyouso。"
　　M。deSillery，whoseconstantoppositiontomeatthecouncil-
　　boardIhaveelsewheredescribed，begantoaffirmit。Ilethimgoonforalittletime，andtheninterruptedhimbrusquely。"I
　　thinkitwasyou，"Isaid，"whonominatedFerrettobeoneoftheKing'sclerks。"
　　"Ferret？"heexclaimed，reddeningatmytone，whiletheKing，whoknewmewell，prickeduphisears。
　　"Yes，"Isaid；"Ferret。"
　　"Andifso？"Silleryasked，haughtily。"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Onlythis，"Isaid。"ThatifhisMajestywillsummonhimtothequeen'scloset，withoutwarningordelay，andaskhiminherpresencehowmuchMadamedeVerneuilgavehimfortheKing'scipher，herMajesty，Ithink，willlearnsomethingwhichshewishestoknow。"
　　"What？"theKingcried。"Youhavediscoveredit？Buthegaveyouareceiptforthepapershetook。"
　　"Forthepapershetookwithmyknowledge——yes，sire。"
　　"Therogue！"Silleryexclaimedviciously。"Iwillgoandfetchhim。"
　　"Notso——withyourMajesty'sleave，"Isaid，interposingquickly。
　　"M。deSillerymaysaytoomuchortoolittle。Letalackeytakeamessage，biddinghimgotothequeen'scloset，andhewillsuspectnothing。"
　　TheKingassented，andbademegoandgivetheorder。WhenI
　　returned，heaskedmeanxiouslyifIfeltsurethatthemanwouldconfess。
　　"Yes，ifyoupretendtoknowall，sire，"Ianswered。"HewillthinkthatMadamehasbetrayedhim。"
　　"Verywell，"Henrysaid。"Thenletusgo。"
　　ButIdeclinedtobepresent；partlyonthegroundthatifIweretherethequeenmightsuspectmeofinspiringtheman，andpartlybecauseIthoughtthattheroguewouldentertainamoreconfidenthopeofpardon，andbemorelikelytoconfess，ifhesawtheKingalone。IcontrivedtokeepSilleryalso；andHenrygivingtheword，ashemountedthesteps，thatheshouldbebackpresently，thewholeCourtremainedinastateofsuspense，awarethatsomethingwasinprogressbutindoubtwhat，andunabletodecidewhetherIwereagaininfavourornowonmytrial。
　　Silleryremainedtalkingtome，principallyonEnglishmatters，untilthedinnerhour；whichcameandwent，neglectedbyall。Atlength，whenthecuriosityofthemassofcourtiers，whodidnotdaretointerruptus，hadbeenraisedbydelaytoanalmostintolerablepitch，theKingreturned，withsignsofdisorderinhisbearing；and，crossingtheterraceinhalfadozenstrides，drewmehastily，alongwithSillery，intothegroveofwhitemulberrytrees。Therewewerenosoonerhiddeninpart，thoughnotcompletely，thanhethrewhisarmsaboutmeandembracedmewiththewarmestexpressions。"Ah，myfriend，"hesaid，puttingmefromhimatlast，"whatshallIsaytoyou？"
　　"Thequeenissatisfied，sire？"
　　"Perfectly；anddesirestobecommendedtoyou。"
　　"Heconfessed，then？"
　　Henrynodded，withalookinhisfacethatIdidnotunderstand。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"fully。Itwasasyouthought，myfriend。Godhavemercyuponhim！"
　　Istarted。"What？"Isaid。"Hashe——"
　　TheKingnodded，andcouldnotrepressashudder。"Yes，"hesaid；"butnot，thankHeaven，untilhehadleftthecloset。Hehadsomethingabouthim。"
　　Sillerybegananxiouslytoclearhimself；buttheKing，withhisusualgoodnature，stoppedhim，andbadeusallgoanddine，sayingthatwemustbefamished。Heendedbydirectingmetobebackinanhour，sincehisownappetitewasspoiled。"Andbringwithyouallyourpatience，"headded，"forIhaveahundredquestionstoaskyou。WewillwalktowardsAvon，andIwillshowyouthesurprisewhichIampreparingforthequeen。"
　　Alas，IwouldIcouldsaythatallendedthere。ButtherancourofwhichMadamedeVerneuilhadgiventokeninherinterviewwithmewasratheraggravatedthanlessenedbythefailureofherplotandthedeathofhertool。ItprovedtobeimpenetrablebyallthekindnesseswhichtheKinglavisheduponher；neitherthelegitimationofthechildwhichshesoonafterwardsbore，northeclemencywhichtheKing——againsttheadviceofhiswisestministersextendedtoherbrotherAuvergne，availingtoexpelitfromherbreast。Howfarsheorthatill-omenedfamilywereprivytotheaccursedcrimewhich，nineyearslater，palsiedFranceonthethresholdofundreamed-ofglories，Iwillnottakeonmyselftosay；forsuspicionisnotproof。Buthistory，ofwhichmybelovedmastermusteverformsogreatapart，willlaytheblamewhereitshouldrest。
　　VI。THEMANOFMONCEAUX。
　　InthemonthofAugustofthisyeartheKingfoundsomealleviationofthegrowinguneasinesswhichhispassionforMadamedeCondeoccasionedhiminavisittoMonceaux，wherehespenttwoweeksinsuchdiversionsastheplaceafforded。Heinvitedmetoaccompanyhim，butonmyrepresentingthatIcouldnotthere——soeasilyasinmyowncloset，whereIhadallthematerialswithinreach——preparethereportwhichhehadcommandedmetodrawup，hedirectedmetoremaininParisuntilitwasready，andthentojoinhim。
　　Thisreportwhichhewashavingwritten，notonlyforhisownsatisfactionbutfortheinformationofhisheir，tooktheformofarecitalofallthecausesandevents，spreadovermanyyears，whichhadinducedhimtotakeinhandtheGreatDesign；
　　togetherwithasuccinctaccountofthemunitionsandtreasureswhichhehadpreparedtocarryitout。Asitincludedmanythingswhichwereunknownbeyondthecouncil，andsomewhichhesharedonlywithme——andas，inparticular，itenumeratedthevarioussecretalliancesandagreementswhichhehadmadewiththeprincesofNorthGermany，whomaprematurediscoverymustplaceattheEmperor'smercy——itwasnecessarythatIshoulddrawupthewholewithmyownhand，andwiththeutmostcareandprecaution。ThisIdid；andthatnothingmightbewantingtoamemorialwhichIregardedwithjusticeasthemostimportantofthemanyStatepaperswhichithadfallentomylot；toprepare，Ispentsevendaysinincessantlabouruponit。Itwasnot，therefore，untilthethirdweekinAugust:thatIwasfreetotraveltoMonceaux。
　　IfoundmyquartersassignedtomeinapavilioncalledtheGardenHouse；and，arrivingatsuppertime，satdownwithmyhouseholdwithmorehasteandlessceremonythanwasmywont。
　　Thesamestateofthingsprevailed，Isuppose，inthekitchen；
　　forwehadnotbeenseatedhalfanhourwhenagreathubbubaroseinthehouse，andtheservantsrushingincriedoutthatafirehadbrokenoutbelow，andthatthehousewasindangerofburning。
　　InsuchemergenciesItakeittobethedutyofamanofstandingtobearhimselfwithasmuchdignityasisconsistentwithvigour；andneithertoallowhimselftobecarriedawaybytheoutcryanddisorderofthecrowd，nortoomitanydirectionthatmayavail。Onthisoccasion，however，myfirstthoughtwasgiventothememorialIhadpreparedfortheKing；whichIrememberedhadbeentakenwithotherbooksandpaperstoaroomoverthekitchen。Ilostnotamoment，therefore，insendingMaignanforit；noruntilIhelditsafelyinmyhanddidIfeelmyselfatlibertytothinkofthehouse。WhenIdid，Ifoundthatthealarmexceededthedanger；afewbucketsofwaterextinguishedabeaminthechimneywhichhadcaughtfire，andinafewmomentswewereabletoresumethemealwiththeaddedvivacitywhichsuchaneventgavetotheconversation。Ithasneverbeenmycustomtoencouragetoogreatfreedomatmytable；butasthecompanyconsisted，withasingleexception，ofmyhousehold，andasthisperson——aMonsieurdeVilain，ayounggentleman，thecousinofoneofmywife'smaids-of-honour——showedhimselfpossessedofmodestyaswellaswit，Ithoughtthatthetimeexcusedalittlerelaxation。
　　Thiswasthecauseofthemisfortunewhichfollowed，andbadefairtoplacemeinapositionofasgreatdifficultyasIhaveeverknown；for，havinginmygoodhumourdismissedtheservants，IcontinuedtotalkforanhourormorewithVilainandsomeofmygentlemen；theresultbeingthatIsofarforgotmyself，whenIrose，astoleavethereportwhereIhadlaiditonthetable。