Itwouldbeuselessformetoattempttopaintthemixtureofhorror，perplexity，andshamewhichdistortedBareilles'
　　countenanceasIspokethesewords。WhileParabere'sattitudeandmydemeanourgavehimclearlytounderstandthatwesuspectedthetruth，ifwedidnotknowit，ourcoolnessandtheverynatureofmydemandimposeduponhisfearsandledhimtobelievethatwehadaregimentatourcall。Heknew，too，thatthatwhichmightbedoneinaruinedhamletmightnotbedoneinthesquareatGueret；andhiskneestrembledunderhim。Hemutteredthathedidnotunderstand；thatwemustbemistaken。Whatevidencehadwe？
　　"Thebest！"Iansweredgrimly。"Ifyouwishtohearit，Iwillsendforit；butwitnesseshavesometimesloosetongues，Bareilles，andhemaynotstopattheCapitaineMartin。"
　　Hestartedandglaredatme。FrommehiseyespassedtoParabere；thenheshuddered，andlookeddownatthetable。Asheleanedagainstit，Iheardtheglassestinklingsoftly。Atlasthemutteredthatthemanmusthaveatrial。
　　Ishruggedmyshoulders，andwouldhaveansweredthatthatwashisbusiness；butatthemomentaheavysteprangonthestonesteps，thedoorwasflunghastilyopen，andadark-complexionedmancameinwithhishaton。Thestrangerwassplashedtothechin，andhisfaceworeanexpressionofsavageannoyance；butthisgaveplacetheinstanthesawustooneofintensesurprise，whilethewordshehadhadonhislipsdiedaway，andhestoodnonplussed。IturnedtoM。deBareilles。
　　"Whoisthis？"Isaidharshly。
　　"Oneofmylieutenants，"heansweredinastifledtone。
　　"M。leCapitaineMartin？"
　　"Thesame，"heanswered。
　　"Verywell，"Ireplied。"Youhaveheardmyterms。"
　　Hestoodclutchingthetable，andinthebrightlightofthecandlesthatburnedonithisfacewashorrible。Stillhemanagedtospeak。"M。leCapitaine，callfourmen，"hemuttered。
　　"Monsieur？"theCaptainanswered。
　　"Callfourmen——fourofyourmen，"Bareillesrepeatedwithaneffort。
　　TheCaptainturnedandwentdownstairsinamazement，returningimmediatelyafterwithfourtroopersathisheels。
　　Bareilles'facewasghastly。"TakeM。leCapitaine'ssword，"hesaidtothem。
　　TheCaptain'sjawfell，and，steppingbackapace，helookedfromonetoanother。Butallweresilent；hefoundeveryeyeuponhim，and，doubtfulandtakenbysurprise，heunbuckledhisswordandflungitwithanoathuponthefloor。
　　"Tothegardenwithhim！"Bareillescontinued，hoarsely。
　　"Quick！Takehim！Iwillsendyouyourorders。"
　　Theylaidhandsonthemanmechanically，and，unnervedbythesuddennessoftheaffair，thesilence，andthepresenceofsomanystrangers，——ignorant，too，whatwasdoingorwhatwasmeant，hewentunresisting。Theymarchedhimoutheavily；thedoorclosedbehindthem；westoodwaiting。Theglitteringtable，thelights，thearresteddicers，allthetrivialpreparationsforacarousethatatanothertimemusthavegivenacheerfulaspecttotheroom，producedinsteadthemostsombreimpression。Iwaited，but，seeingthatBareillesdidnotmove，Istruckthetablewithmygauntlet。"Theorder！"Isaid，sharply；"theorder！"
　　Heslunktoatableinacornerwheretherewasink，andscrawledit。Itookitfromhishand，and，givingittoBoisrueil，"Takeit，"Isaid，"andthethreemenonthelanding，andseetheordercarriedout。Whenitisover，comeandtellme。"
　　Hetooktheorderanddisappeared，LaFontafterhim。IremainedintheroomwithParabere，Bareilles，andthedicers。Theminutespassedslowly，noonespeaking；Bareillesstandingwithhisheadsunkonhisbreast，andalookofutterdespaironhiscountenance。AtlengthBoisrueilandLaFontreturned。Theformernodded。
　　"Verywell，"Isaid。"Thenletussup，gentlemen。Come，M。deBareilles，yourplaceisattheheadofthetable。Parabere，sithere。Gentlemen，Ihavenotthehonourofknowingyou，buthereareplaces。"
　　Andwesupped；butnotallwiththesameappetite。Bareilles，silent，despairing，apreytothebitterestremorse，satlowinhischair，and，ifIreadhisfacearight，hadnothoughtbutofvengeance。But，assuredthatbyforcinghimtothatwhichmustforeverrenderhimodious——andparticularlyamonghisinferiors——Ihadsappedhisauthorityattheroot，Itookcareonlythatheshouldnotleaveus。IdirectedColettounsaddleandbivouacinthegarden，andmyselflayallnightwithParabereandBareillesintheroominwhichwehadsupped，BoisrueilandLaFonttakingturnstokeepthedoor。
　　Tohavebetrayedtoomuchhastetobegonemighthaveprovedasdangerousasalongdelay；andourhorsesneededrest。ButanhourbeforenoonnextdayIgavetheorderandwemountedinthesquare，inthepresenceofamixedmobofsoldiersandtownsfolk，whomitneededbutasparktokindle。Itookcarethatthatsparkshouldbewanting，however；andtothatendIcompelledBareillestomountandridewithusasfarasSaury。Here，whereIfoundtheinnburnedandthewomanmurdered，IshouldhavedonenomorethanjusticehadIhunghimaswell；andIthinkthathehalfexpectedit。ButreflectingthathehadascoreofrelationsinPoitouwhomightgivetrouble，and，besidesthat，hispositioncalledforsomedegreeofconsideration，Ipartedwithhimgravely，andhastenedtoputasmanyleaguesbetweenusaspossible。ThatnightwesleptatCrozant，andthenextatSt。
　　Gaultier。
　　ItwaschieflyinconsequenceoftheobservationsImadeduringthisjourneythatHenry，inthefollowingOctober，marchedintotheLimousinwithaconsiderableforceandreceivedthesubmissionofthegovernors。Thedetailsofthatexpedition，inthecourseofwhichheputtodeathtenortwelveofthemoredisorderly，willbefoundinanotherplace。ItremainsformeonlytoaddherethatBareilleswasnotofthem。HeescapedafateherichlydeservedbyflyingbetimeswithBassignactoSedan。OfhisultimatefateIknownothing；butaweekaftermyreturntotheArsenal，amancalledonmewhoturnedouttobetheastrologer。Igavehimfiftycrowns。
　　VIII。THEOPENSHUTTER。
　　Fewareignorantofthatweaknessofthevulgarwhichleadsthemtoadmireinthegreatnotsomuchthequalitieswhichdeserveadmirationasthosewhich，intheeyesofthebetter-informed，aredefects；sothattheamoursofCaesar，theclock-makingofCharles，andthejestsofColignyaremoreinthemouthsofmenthantheirstatesmanshiporvalour。Foronethingcommendable，twothataredivertingaretold；andforonemanwhointhesedaysrecallsthethousandgreatandwisedeedsofthelateKingathousandrememberhisoccasionalfreaks，theduelhewouldhavefought，orhishabitofvisitingthestreetsofParisbynightandindisguise。Thatthislasthasbeenmuchexaggerated，Icanmyselfbearwitness；forthoughVarenneorCoquet，theMasteroftheHousehold，werehisusualcompanionsontheseoccasions，heseldomfailedtoconfesstomeaftertheevent，andmorethanonceIaccompaniedhim。
　　IfIrememberrightly，itwasinAprilorMayofthisyear，1606，andconsequentlyafewdaysafterhisreturnfromSedan，thathesurprisedmeonenightasIsatatsupper，and，requestingmetodismissmyservants，letmeknowthathewasinaflightymood；
　　andthatnothingwouldcontenthimbuttoplaytheCaliphinmycompany。Iwasnottoowilling，forIdidnotfailtorecognisetherisktowhichtheseexpeditionsexposedhisperson；but，intheend，Iconsented，makingonlytheconditionthatMaignanshouldfollowusatadistance。Thisheconceded，andIsentfortwoplainsuits，andwedressedinmycloset。TheKing，delightedwiththefrolic，wasinhiswildestmood。Heutteredaninfinityofjests，andcutathousandabsurdantics；and，rallyingmeonmygravity，sooncameneartomakingmerepentoftheeasinesswhichhadledmetofallinwithhishumour。
　　However，itwastoolatetoretreat，andinamomentwewerestandinginthestreet。Itwouldnothavesurprisedmeifhehadcelebratedhisfreedombysomenoisyextravagancethere；butherefrained，andcontentedhimself——whileMaignanlockedtheposternbehindus——withcockinghishatandluggingforwardhissword，andassuminganairofwhimsicalrecklessness，asifanadventureweretobeinstantlyexpected。
　　Butthemoonhadnotyetrisen，thenightwasdark，andforsometimewemetwithnothingmoredivertingthanastumbleoveradeaddog，awordwithaforwardwench，oranarrowescapefromoneofthoseliquiddouchesthatrenderthestreetsperilousforcommonfolkanddonotsparethegreatest。Naturally，Ibegantotire，andwishedmyselfwithallmyheartbackattheArsenal；
　　butHenry，whosespiritsaspiceofdangerneverfailedtoraise，foundahundredthingstobemerryover，andsomeofwhichhemadeagreattaleofafterwards。Hewouldgoon；andpresently，intheRuede]aPourpointerie，whichweenteredastheclocksstruckthehourbeforemidnight，hispersistencewasrewarded。
　　Bythattimethemoonhadrisen；but，naturally，fewwereabroadsolate，andsuchasweretobeseenbelongedtoaclassamongwhomevenHenrydidnotcaretoseekadventures。Ourastonishmentwasgreatthereforewhen，half-waydownthestreet——
　　astreetoftall，meanhousesneitherbetternormuchworsethanothersinthatquarter——wesaw，standinginthemoonlightatanopendoor，aboyaboutsevenyearsold。
　　TheKingsawhimfirst，and，pressingmyarm，stoodstill。Ontheinstantthechild，whohadprobablyseenusbeforewesawhim，advancedintotheroadtous。"Messieurs，"hesaid，standingupboldlybeforeusandlookingatuswithoutfear，"myfatherisill，andIcannotclosetheshutter。"
　　Theboy'smanner，fullofself-possession，andhistone，remarkableathisage，tookussocompletelybysurprise——tosaynothingofthelatehourandthedesertedstreet，whichgavethesethingstheirfulleffect——thatforamomentneitherofusanswered。ThentheKingspoke。"Indeed，M。l'Empereur，"hesaidgravely；"andwhereistheshutter？"
　　Theboypointedtoanopenshutteratthetopofthehousebehindhim。
　　"Ah！"Henrysaid。"Andyouwishustocloseit？"
　　"Ifyouplease，messieurs。"
　　"Wedoplease，"Henryreplied，salutinghimwithmockreverence。
　　"Youmayconsidertheshutterclosed。Leadon，Monsieur；wefollow。"
　　Forthefirsttimetheboylookeddoubtful；butheturnedwithoutsayinganything，andpassingthroughthedoorway，wasinaninstantlostinthepitchydarknessoftheentry。IlaidmyhandontheKing'sarm，andtriedtoinducehimnottofollow；fearingmuchthatthismightbesomenewthieves'trap，leadingnowhithersavetothePOIRED'ANGOISSEandtheponiard。Buttheattemptwashopelessfromthefirst；hebrokefrommeandentered，andI
　　followedhim。
　　Wegropedforthebalustradeandfoundit，andbegantoascend，guidedbytheboy'svoice；whokeptalittlebeforeus，sayingcontinually，"Thisway，messieurs；thisway！"Hiswordshadsomuchthesoundofasignal，andthestaircasewassodarkandill-smelling，that，expectingeverymomenttobeseizedortohaveaknifeinmyback，Ifounditalmostinterminable。Atlast，however，agleamoflightappearedaboveus，theboyopenedadoor，andwefoundourselvesstandingonamean，narrowlanding，thewallsofwhichhadoncebeenwhitewashed。Thechildsignedtoustoenter，andwefollowedhimintoabareattic，whereourheadsnearlytouchedtheceiling。
　　"Messieurs，theairiskeen，"hesaidinacuriouslyformaltone。
　　"Willyoupleasetoclosetheshutter？"
　　TheKing，amusedandfullofwonder，lookedround。Theroomcontainedlittlebesidesatable，astool，andalampstandinginabasinonthefloor；butanalcove，curtainedwithblack，dingyhangings，brokeonewall。"Yourfatherliesthere？"Henrysaid，pointingtoit。
　　"Yes，monsieur。"
　　"Hefeelsthecold？"
　　"Yes，monsieur。Willyoupleasetoclosetheshutter？"
　　Iwenttoit，and，leaningout，managed，withalittledifficulty，tocomply。Meanwhile，theKing，gazingcuriouslyatthecurtains，graduallyapproachedthealcove。Hehesitatedlong，hetoldmeafterwards，beforehetouchedthehangings；butatlength，feelingsurethattherewassomethingmoreinthebusinessthanappeared，hedidso。Drawingonegentlyaside，asIturnedfromthewindow，hepeeredin；andsawjustwhathehadbeenledtoexpect——ahuddledformcoveredwithdingybed-clothesandagreyheadlyingonaragged，yellowpillow。Theman'sfacewasturnedtothewall；but，asthelightfellonhim，hesighedand，withashiver，begantomove。TheKingdroppedthecurtain。
　　Theadventurehadnotturnedoutaswellashehadhoped；and，withawhimsicallookatme，helaidacrownonthetable，saidakindwordtotheboy，andwewentout。Inamomentwewereinthestreet。
　　Itwasmyturnnowtorallyhim，andIdidsowithoutmercy；
　　askingifheknewofanyotherbeauteousdamselwhowantedhershutterclosed，andwhetherthiswastheusualendofhisadventures。Hetookthejestingoodpart，laughingfullyasloudlyathimselfasIlaughed；andinthiswaywehadgoneahundredpacesorsoverymerrily，when，onasudden，hestopped。
　　"Whatisit，sire？"Iasked。
　　"Hola！"hesaid，"Theboywasclean。"
　　"Clean？"
　　"Yes；hands，face，clothes。Allclean。"
　　"Well，sire？"
　　"Howcouldhebe？Hisfatherinbed，nooneeventoclosetheshutter。Howcouldhebeclean？"
　　"But，ifhewas，sire？"
　　ForanswerHenryseizedmebythearm，turnedmeroundwithoutaword，andinamomentwashurryingmebacktothehouse。I
　　thoughtthathewasgoingthitheragain，andfollowedreluctantly；buttwentypacesshortofthedoorhecrossedthestreet，anddrewmeintoadoorway。"Canyouseetheshutter？"
　　hesaid。"Yes？Thenwatchit，myfriend。"
　　Ihadnooptionbuttoresignmyself，andInodded。Amoistandchillywind，whichblewthroughthestreetandpenetratingourcloaksmadeusshiver，didnottendtoincreasemyenthusiasm；
　　buttheKingwasproofevenagainstthis，aswellasagainstthekennelsmellsandthetediumofwaiting，andpresentlyhispersistencewasrewarded。Theshutterswungslowlyopen，thenoisemadebyitscollisionwiththewallcomingclearlytoourears。Aminutelatertheboyappearedinthedoorway，andstoodlookingupanddown。
　　"Well，"theKingwhisperedinmyear，"whatdoyoumakeofthat，myfriend？"
　　Imutteredthatitmustbeabeggar'strick。
　　"Theywouldnotearnacrowninamonth，"heanswered。Theremustbesomethingmorethanthatatthebottomofit。"
　　Beginningtosharehiscuriosity，Iwasabouttoproposethatweshouldsallyoutandseeiftheboywouldrepeathisoverturetous，whenIcaughtthesoundoffootstepscomingalongthestreet。
　　"IsitMaignan？"theKingwhispered，lookingoutcautiously。
　　"No，sire，"Isaid。"Heisinyonderdoorway。"
　　BeforeHenrycouldanswer，theappearanceoftwostrangerscomingalongtheroadwayconfirmedmystatement。Theypausedoppositetheboy，andheadvancedtothem。Toofarofftohearpreciselywhatpassed，wewerenearenoughtobesurethatthedialoguewasinthemainthesameasthatinwhichwehadtakenpart。Themenwerecloaked，too，aswerewe，andpresentlytheywentin，aswehadgonein。All，infact，happenedasithadhappenedtous，andafterthenecessaryintervalwesawandheardtheshutterclosed。
　　"Well，"theKingsaid，"whatdoyoumakeofthat？"
　　"Theshutteristhecatch-word，sire。"
　　"Ay，butwhatisgoingonupthere？"heasked。Andherubbedhishands。
　　Ihadnoexplanationtogive，however，andshookmyhead；andwestoodawhile，watchingsilently。Attheendoffiveminutesthetwomencameoutagainandwalkedoffthewaytheyhadcome，butmorebriskly。Henrymoreover，whoseobservationwasallhislifemostacute，remarkedthatwhatevertheyhadbeendoingtheycarriedawaylighterheartsthantheyhadbrought。AndIthoughtthesame。
　　Indeed，Iwasbeginningtotakemyfullshareofinterestintheadventure；andinplaceofwondering，asbefore，atHenry'spersistence，founditmorenaturaltoadmirethekeennesswhichhehaddisplayedinscentingamystery。Iwasnotsurprised，therefore，whenhegrippedmyarmtogainmyattention，and，athewindowfellslowlyopenagain，drewmequicklyintothestreet，andhurriedmeacrossitandthroughthedoorwayofthehouse。
　　"Up！"hemutteredinmyear。"Quicklyandquietly，man！Iftherearetobeothervisitors，wewillplaythespy。Butsoftly，softly；hereistheboy！"
　　Westoodasideagainstthewall，scarcelydaringtobreathe；andthechild，guidinghimselfbythehandrail，passedusinthedarkwithoutsuspicion，andpatteredondownthestaircase。Weremainedaswewereuntilweheardhimcrossthethreshold，andthenwecreptup；nottotheuppermostlanding，wherethelight，whenthedoorwasopened，mustbetrayus，buttothatimmediatelybelowit。Therewetookourstandintheangleofthestairsandwaited，theKing，betweenamusementattheabsurdityofourpositionandanxietylestweshouldbetrayourselves，goingoffnowandagainintostifledlaughter，fromwhichhevainlystrovetorestrainhimselfbypinchingme。
　　Iwasnotinsogayamoodmyself，however，theresponsibilityofhissafetylyingheavyuponme；whilethepossibilitythattheadventuremightprovenolesstragicalinthesequelthanitnowappearedcomical，didnotfailtopresentitselftomyeyesinthedarkestcolours。Whenwehadwatched，therefore，fiveminutesmore——whichseemedtomeanhour——Ibegantolosefaith；
　　andIwasonthepointofundertakingtopersuadeHenrytowithdraw，whenthevoicesofmenspeakingatthedoorbelowreachedus，andtoldmethatitwastoolate。Thenextmomenttheirstepscrossedthethreshold，andtheybegantoascend，theboysayingcontinually，"Thisway，messieurs，thisway！"andprecedingthemashehadprecededus。Weheardthemapproach，breathingheavily，andbutforthebalustrade，bywhichIfeltsurethattheywouldguidethemselves，andwhichstoodsomefeetfromourcorner，Ishouldhavebeeninapaniclesttheyshouldblunderagainstus。Buttheypassedsafely，andamomentlatertheboyopenedthedooroftheroomabove。Weheardthemgoin，andwithoutasecond'shesitationwecreptupafterthem，followingthemsocloselythatthedoorwasscarcelyshutbeforewewereatit。Weheard，therefore，whatpassedfromthefirst:
　　thechild'srequestthattheywouldclosetheshutter，theirhastycompliance，andthesilence，strangeandpregnant，whichfollowed，andwhichwasbrokenatlastbyasolemnvoice。"Wehaveclosedoneshutter，"itsaid，"buttheshutterofGod'smercyIsneverclosed。"
　　"Amen，"asecondpersonansweredinatonesodistantandmuffledthatitneedednogreatwittoguesswhenceitcame，orthatthespeakerwasbehindthecurtainsofthealcove。"Whoareyou？"
　　"ThecureofSt。Marceau，"thefirstspeakerreplied。
　　"Andwhomdoyoubringtome？"
　　"Asinner。"
　　"Whathashedone？"
　　"Hewilltellyou。"
　　"Iamlistening。"
　　Therewasapauseonthis，alongpause；whichwasbrokenatlengthbyathirdspeaker，inatonehalfsullen，halfmiserable。
　　"Ihaverobbedmymaster，"hesaid。
　　"Ofhowmuch？"
　　"Fiftylivres。"
　　"Why？"
　　"Ilostitatplay。"
　　"Andyouaresorry。"
　　"Imustbesorry，"themanpantedwithsuddenfierceness，"orhang！"Hiddenthoughhewasfromus，therewasatremorinhisvoicethattoldataleofpallidcheeksandshakingknees，andaterrorfastrisingtomadness。
　　"Hemakesuphisaccountsto-morrow？"
　　"Yes。"
　　Someoneintheroomgroaned；itshouldhavebeentheculprit，butunlessIwasmistakenthesoundcamethroughthecurtains。A
　　longpausefollowed。Then，"AndifIhelpyou，"themuffledvoiceresumed，"willyousweartoleadanhonestlife？"
　　Buttheanswermaybeguessed。Ineednotrepeattheassurances，theprotestationsandvowsofrepentance，thecriesandtearsofgratitudewhichensue；andtowhichthepoorwretch，strippedofhissullenindifference，completelyabandonedhimself。Sufficeitthatwepresentlyheardtheclinkingofcoins，awordortwoofsolemnadvicefromthecure，andaman'spainfulsobbing；thentheKingtouchedmyarm，andwecreptdownthestairs。Iwasforstoppingonthelandingwherewehadhiddenourselvesbefore；butHenrydrewmeontothefootofthestairsandintothestreet。
　　Heturnedtowardshome，andforsometimedidnotspeak。AtlengthheaskedmewhatIthoughtofit。
　　"Inwhatway，sire？"
　　"Doyounotthink，"hesaidinavoiceofmuchemotion，"thatifwecoulddowhathedoes，andsaveamaninsteadofhanginghim，itwouldbebetter？"
　　"Fortheman，sire，doubtless，"Ianswereddrily；"butfortheStateitmightnotbesowell。Ifmercybecametheruleandjusticetheexception——therewouldbefewerbodiesatMontfauconandmoreinthestreetsatdaylight。Ifeelmuchgreaterdoubtonanotherpoint。"
　　Shakingoffthemoodinessthathadforamomentovercomehim，Henryaskedwithvivacitywhatthatwas。
　　"Whoheis，andwhatishismotive？"
　　"Why？"theKingrepliedinsomesurprise——hewaseverofsokindanaturethatanappealtohisfeelingsdisplacedhisjudgment。
　　"Whatshouldhebebutwhatheseems？"
　　"Benevolenceitself？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Well，sire，IgrantthathemaybeM。deJoyeuse，whohasspenthislifeinpassinginandoutofmonasteries，andhasperformedsomanytricksofthekindthatIcouldbelieveanythingofhim。
　　Butifitbenothe——"
　　"Itwasnothisvoice，"Henrysaid，positively。
　　"Thenthereissomethinghere，"Ianswered，"stillunexplained。
　　Considertheoddityoftheconception，sire，thesecrecyoftheperformance，thehour，themode，allthesurroundingcircumstances！Icanimagineamancurryingfavourwiththebasestandmostdangerousclassbysuchmeans。Icanimagineaconspiracyrecruitedbysuchmeans。Icanimaginethisshibbolethoftheshuttergrowntoawatchwordasdeadlyasthe'TUEZ！'of'72。Icanimagineallthat，butIcannotimagineamanactingthusoutofpurebenevolence。"
　　"No？"Henrysaid，thoughtfully。"Well，IthinkthatIagreewithyou。"andfarfrombeingdispleasedwithmywarmthasisthemannerofsomesovereignswhentheirbestfriendsdifferfromthem，hecameovertomyopinionsocompletelyastohaltandexpresshisintentionofreturningandprobingthemattertothebottom。Midnighthadgone，however；itwouldtakesomelittletimetoretraceoursteps；andwithsomedifficultyIsucceededindissuadinghim，promisinginsteadtomakeinquiriesonthemorrow，andhavinglearnedwholivedinthehouse，toturnthewholeaffairintoareport，whichshouldbesubmittedtohim。
　　Thisamusedandsatisfiedhim，and，expressinghimselfwellcontentwiththeevening'sdiversion——thoughwehaddonenothingunworthyeitherofaKingoraMinister——hepartedfrommeattheArsenal，andwenthomewithhissuite。
　　ItdidnotoccurtomeatthetimethatIhadpromisedtodoanythingdifficult；butthenewswhichmyagentsbroughtmenextday——thattheuppermostfloorofthehouseintheRuePourpointeriewasempty——putanotherfaceuponthematter。Thelandlorddeclaredthatheknewnothingofthetenant，whohadrentedtherooms，readyfurnished，bytheweek；andasIhadnotseentheman'sface，thereremainedonlytwosourceswhenceI
　　couldgettheinformationIneeded——thechild，andthecureofSt。Marceau。
　　Ididnotknowwheretolookfortheformer，however；andIhadtodependonthecure。ButhereIcarnetoanobstacleImighteasilyhaveforeseen。Ifoundhim，thoughanhonestman，obdurateinupholdinghispriest'sprivileges；toallmyinquiriesherepliedthatthemattertouchedtheconfessional，andwaswithinhisvows；andthatheneithercould，nordared——topleaseanyone，orforanycause，howeverplausible——divulgetheslightestdetailoftheaffair。Ihadhimsummonedtothearsenal，andquestionedhimmyself，andclosely；butofallarmourthatoftheRomanpriesthoodisthemostdifficulttopenetrate，andIquicklygaveuptheattempt。
　　BaffledintheonlydirectioninwhichIcouldhopeforsuccess，IhadtoconfessmydefeattotheKing，whosecuriositywasonlypiquedthemorebytherebuff。Headjuredmenottoletthematterdrop，and，suggestinganumberofpersonsamongwhomI
　　mightpossiblyfindtheunknown，proposedalsosometheories。Ofthese，onethatthebenevolentwasadisguisedlady，whocontrivedinthiswaytogivethereinatoncetogallantryandcharity，pleasedhimmost；whileIfavouredthatwhichhadfirstoccurredtomeonthenightofoursally，andheldtheunknowntobeacleverrascal，who，toservehisends，politicalorcriminal，wascorruptingthecommonalty，anddrawingpeopleintohispower。
　　Thingsremainedinthisstatesomeweeks，and，growingnowiser，Iwasbeginningtothinklessoftheaffair——which，ofitself，andapartfromawhimsicalinterestwhichtheKingtookinit，wasunimportant——whenoneday，stoppingintheQuartierduMaraistoviewtheworksatthenewPlaceRoyale，Isawtheboy。Hewasinchargeofadecent-lookingservant，whosehandhewasholding，andthetwoweregazingatahorsethat，alarmedbytheheapsofstoneandmortar，wasrearingandtryingtounseatitsrider。
　　Thechilddidnotseeme，andIbadeMaignanfollowhimhome，andlearnwherehelivedandwhohewas。
　　InanhourmyequerryreturnedwiththeinformationIdesired。
　　ThechildwastheonlysonofFauchet，oneoftheReceivers-
　　GeneraloftheRevenue；amanwhokeptgreatstateinthelargestoftheold-fashionedhousesintheRuedeBethisy，wherehe，hadlatelyentertainedtheKing。Icouldnotimagineanyonelesslikelytobeconcernedintreasonablepractices；and，certainthatIhadmadenomistakeintheboy，Iwasdrivenforawhiletobelievethatsomeservanthad，pervertedthechildtothisuse。Presently，however，secondthoughts，andthepositionofthefather，taken，perhaps，withsuspicionsthatIhadforalongtimeentertainedofFauchet——incommonwithmostofhiskind——
　　suggestedanexplanation，hithertounconsidered。Itwasnotanexplanationveryprobableatfirstsight，noronethatwouldhavecommendeditselftothosewhodivideallmenbyhardandfastrulesandassortthemlikesheep。ButIhadseentoomuchoftheworldtofallintothismistake，anditsatisfiedme。Ibeganbyweighingitcarefully；Iprocuredevidence，IhadFauchetwatched；and，atlength，oneeveninginAugust，IwenttotheLouvre。
　　TheKingwasdicingwithFernandez，thePortuguesebanker；butI
　　venturedtointerruptthegameanddrawhimaside。Hemightnothavetakenthiswell，butthatmyfirstwordcaughthisattention。
　　"Sire，"Isaid，"theshutterisopen。"
　　Heunderstoodinamoment。"St。Gris！"Heexclaimedwithanimation。"Where？Atthesamehouse？"
　　"No，sire；intheRueCloitreNotreDame。"
　　"Youhavegothim，then？"
　　"Iknowwhoheis，andwhyheisdoingthis。"
　　"Why？"theKingcriedeagerly。
　　"Well，IwasgoingtoaskforyourMajesty'scompanytotheplace，"Iansweredsmiling。"Iwillundertakethatyoushallbeamusedatleastaswellashere，andatacheaperrate。"
　　Heshruggedhisshoulders。"Thatmayverywellbe，"hesaidwithagrimace。"ThatroguePimentelhasstrippedmeoftwothousandcrownssincesupper。HeispluckingBassompierrenow。
　　RememberingthatonlythatmorningIhadhadtostopsomenecessaryworksthroughlackofmeans，Icouldscarcelyrestrainmyindignation。Butitwasnotthetimetospeak，andI
　　contentedmyselfwithrepeatingmyrequest。Ashamedofhimself，heconsentedwithagoodgrace，andbiddingmegotohis:
　　closet，followedafewminuteslater。Hefoundmecloakedtotheeyes，andwithasoutaneandpriest'shat；onmyarm。"Arethoseforme？"hesaid。
　　"Yes，sire。"
　　"WhoamI，then？"
　　"ThecureofSt。Germain。"
　　Hemadeawryface。"Come，GrandMaster，"hesaid；"hediedyesterday。Isnotthejestrathergrim？"
　　"Inagoodcause，"Isaidequably。
　　Heflashedaroguishlookatme。"Ah！"hesaid，"IthoughtthatthatwasawickedrulewhichonlyweRomanistsavowed。But，there；don'tbeangry。Iamready。"
　　Coquet，theMasteroftheHousehold，letusoutbyoneoftherivergates，andwewentbythenewbridgeandthePontSt。
　　Michel。BythewayItaughttheKingtheroleIwishedhimtoplay，butwithoutexplainingthemystery；theopportuneappearanceofoneofmyagentswhowaswatchingtheendofthestreetbringingHenry'sremonstrancestoaclose。
　　"Itisstillopen？"Isaid。
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。"
　　"Thencome，sire，"Isaid，"Iseetheboyyonder。Letusascend，andIwillundertakethatbeforeyoureachthestreetagainyoushallbenotonlyawiserbutarichersovereign。"
　　"St。Gris！"heansweredwithalacrity。Whydidyounotsaythatbefore，andIshouldhaveaskednoquestions。On，on，inGod'sname，andthedeviltakePimentel！"
　　Irestrainedthecausticjestthatrosetomylips，andweproceededinsilencedownthestreet。Theboy，whomIhadespiedloiteringinadoorwayalittlewayahead，asifthegreatbellaboveuswhichhadjusttolledelevenhaddrawnhimout，peeredatusamomentaskance；andthen，comingforward，accostedus。
　　ButIneednotdetailtheparticularsofaconversationwhichwasalmostwordforwordthesameasthatwhichhadpassedintheRuedelaPourpointerie；sufficeitthathemadethesamerequestwiththesamefrankaudacity，andthat，grantingit，wewereinamomentfollowinghintupasimilarstaircase。
　　"Thisway，messieurs，thisway！"hesaid；ashehadonthatothernight，whilewegropedourwayupwardsinthedark。Heopenedadoor，andalightshoneout；andweenteredaroomthatseemed，withitsbarewallsandrafters，itsscantystoolandtableandlamp，theverycounterpartofthatotherroom。Inonewallappearedthedingycurtainsofanalcove，closelydrawn；andtheshutterstoodopen，until，atthechild'srequest，expressedinthesamewords，Iwenttoitandclosedit。
　　Wewerebothsowellmuffledupanddisguised，andthelightofthelampshiningupwardssocompletelydistortedthefeatures，thatIhadnofearofrecognition，unlesstheKing'svoicebetrayedhim。Butwhenhespoke，breakingtheoppressivesilenceoftheroom，histonewasasstrangeandhollowasIcouldwish。
　　"Theshutterisclosed，"besaid；"buttheshutterofGod'smercyisneverclosed！"
　　Still，knowingthatthiswasthecrucialmoment，andthatweshouldbedetectednowifatall，Ifoundit；anagebeforethevoicebehindthecurtainsanswered"Amen！"andyetanotheragebeforethehiddenspeakercontinued"Whoareyou？"
　　"ThecureofSt。Germain，"Henryresponded。
　　Themanbehindthecurtainsgasped，andtheywereforamomentviolentlyagitated，asifahandseizedthemandletthemgoagain。ButIhadreckonedthattheunknown，afterapauseofhorror，wouldsupposethathehadheardamissandcontinuehisusualcatechism。Andsoitproved。Inavoicethatshookalittle，heasked，"Whomdoyoubringtome？"
　　"Asinner，"theKinganswered。
　　"Whathashedone？"
　　"Hewilltellyou。"
　　"Iamlistening，"theunknownsaid。
　　Thelightinthebasinflaredupalittle，castingdarkshadowsontheceiling，andatthesamemomenttheshutter，whichIhadfailedtofastensecurely，fellopenwithagrindingsound。Oneofthecurtainsswayedalittleinthebreeze，"Ihaverobbedmymaster，"Isaid，slowly。
　　"Ofhowmuch？"
　　"Ahundredandtwentythousandcrowns。"
　　Thebedshookuntiltheboardscreakedunderit；butthistimenohandgraspedthecurtains。Instead，astrainedvoice——thickandcoarse，yetdifferingfromthatmuffledtonewhichwehadheardbefore——asked，"Whoareyou？"
　　"JulesFauchet。"
　　Iwaited。TheKing，whounderstoodnothingbuthadlistenedtomyanswerswitheagerattention，andmarkednolesscloselytheagitationwhichtheycausedintheunknown，leantforwardtolisten。Butthebedcreakednomore；thecurtainhungstill；
　　eventhevoice，whichatlastissuedfromthecurtains，wasnomoreliketheordinaryaccentsofamanthanarethosewhichheuttersintheparoxysmsofepilepsy。"Areyou——sorry？"theunknownmuttered——involuntarily，Ithink；hopingagainsthope；
　　notdaringtodepartfromaformulawhichhadbecomesecondnature。ButIcouldfancyhimclawing，ashespoke，athischokingthroat。
　　France，however，hadsufferedtoolongatthehandsofthatraceofmen，andIhadbeentoolatelyvilifiedbythemtofeelmuchpity；andforanswerIliftedavoicethattothequailingwretchmusthavebeenthevoiceofdoom。"Sorry？"Isaidgrimly。"I
　　mustbe——orhang！Forto-morrowtheKingexamineshisbooks，andthenextdayI——hang！"
　　TheKing'shandwasonmine，tostopmebeforethelastwordwasout；buthistouchcametoolate。Asitrangthroughtheroomoneofthecurtainsbeforeuswastwitchedaside，andafaceglaredout，soghastlyanddrawnandhorror-stricken，thatfewwouldhaveknownitforthatofthewealthyfermier，whohadgrownsleekandfatontheKing'srevenues。Idonotknowwhetherheknewus，orwhether，onthecontrary，hefoundthisaccusation，soprecise，soaccurate，comingfromanunknownsource，stillmoreterriblethanifhehadknownus；butontheinstanthefellforwardinaswoon。
　　"St。Gris！"Henrycried，lookingonthebodywithashudder，"youhavekilledhim，GrandMaster！Itwastrue，wasit？"
　　"Yes，sire，"Ianswered。"Butheisnotdead，Ithink。"AndgoingtothewindowIwhistledforMaignan，whoinaminutecametous。Hewasnotverywillingtotouchtheman，butIbadehimlayhimonthebedandloosenhisclothesandthrowwateronhisface；andpresentlyM。Fauchetbegantorecover。
　　Isteppedalittleasidethathemightnotseeme，andaccordinglythefirstpersononwhomhiseyeslightedwastheKing，whohadlaidasidehishatandcloak，andtakentheterrifiedandweepingchildonhislap。M。Fauchetstaredathimawhilebeforeherecognisedhim；butatlastthetremblingmanknewhim，andtotteringtohisfeet，threwhimselfonhisknees，lookingyearsolderthanwhenIhadlastseenhiminthestreet。
　　"Sire，"hesaidfaintly，"Iwillmakerestitution。"
　　Henrylookedathimgravely，andnodded。"Itiswell，"hesaid。
　　"Youarefortunate，M。Fauchet；forhadthiscometomyearsinanyotherwayIcouldnothavesparedyou。YouwillrenderyouraccountsandpaperstoM。deSullyto-morrow，andaccordingasyouarefrankwithhimyouwillbetreated。"
　　Fauchetthankedhimwithabjecttears，andtheKingroseandpreparedtoleave。Butatthedoorathoughtstruckhim，andheturned。"Howlonghaveyoudonethis？"hesaid，indicatingtheroombyagesture，andspeakinginagentlertone。
　　"Threeyears，sire，"thewretchedmananswered。
　　"Andhowmuchhaveyoudistributed？"
　　"Fifteenhundredcrowns，sire。"
　　TheKingcastanindescribablelookatme，whereinamusement，scorn，andastonishmentwereallblended。"St。Gris！man！"hesaid，shrugginghisshouldersanddrawinginhisbreathsharply，"youthinkGodisaseasilydupedastheKing！IwishIcouldthinkso。"
　　Hedidnotspeakagainuntilwewerehalf-waybacktotheLouvre；
　　whenheopenedhismouthtoannouncehisintentionofrewardingmewithatitheofthemoneyrecovered。Itwasdulypaidtome，andIboughtwithitpartoftheoutlyinglandsofVillebon——
　　those，Imean，whichextendtowardsChartres。Therestofthemoney，notwithstandingallmyefforts，waswastedhereandthere，PimentelwinningthirtycrownsoftheKingthatyear。Butthediscoveryledtoothersofasimilarcharacter，andeventuallysetmeonthetrackofagreateroffender，M。l'Argentier，whomI
　　broughttojusticeafewmonthslater。
　　IX。THEMAIDOFHONOUR。
　　InaccordancewithmycustomIgaveanentertainmentonthelastdayofthisyeartotheKingandQueen；whocametotheArsenalwithanumeroustrain，andfoundthediversionsIhadprovidedsomuchtotheirtastethattheydidnotleaveuntilIwashalfdeadwithfatigue，andliketobekilledwithcomplaisance。ThoughthiswasnotthemostsplendidentertainmentIgavethatyear，ithadthegoodfortunetoplease；andinadifferentandlessagreeablefashionisrecalledtomymemorybyapeculiarchainofevents，whereofthefirstlinkcameundermyeyesduringitsprogress。
　　Ihavementionedinanearlierpartofthesememoirs，aPortugueseadventurerwho，aboutthistime，gainedlargesumsfromtheCourtatplay，andmorethanoncecompelledtheKingtohaverecoursetome。Ihadtheworstopinionofthisman，anddidnotscrupletoexpressitonseveraloccasions；andthisthemore，ashispresumptionfelllittleshortofhisknavery，whilehetreatedthosewhomherobbedwithasmucharroganceasiftoplaywithhimwereanhonour。Holdingthisviewofhim，IwasfarfrompleasedwhenIdiscoveredthattheKinghadbroughthimtomyhouse；butthefeeling，thoughsufficientlystrong，sanktonothingbesidetheindignationanddisgustwhichIexperiencedwhen，thecompanyhavingfallentocardsaftersupper，IfoundthattheQueenhadsatdownwithhimtoprimero。
　　Itdidnotlessenmyannoyance，thatIhad，aftermyusualfashion，furnishedtheQueenwithapurseforhersport；andinthiswayfoundmyselfreducedtostandbyandseemygoodmoneypassintotheclutchesofthisknave。Underthecircumstances，andinmyownhouse，Icoulddonothing；nevertheless，thetableatwhichtheysatpossessedsostrongafascinationformethatI
　　severaltimescaughtmyselfstaringatitmorecloselythanwaspolite；andastodisgustattheunseemlinessofsuchcompanionshipwasaddedvexationatmyownloss，ImighthavegonefarthertowardsbetrayingmyfeelingsifacasualglanceasidehadnotdisclosedtomethefactthatIdidnotstandaloneinmydissatisfaction；butthat，frivolousasthemajorityofthecourtierswere，therewasoneatleastamongthosepresentwhoviewedthisparticulargamewithdistaste。
　　Thispersonstoodnearthedoor，andfancyinghimselfsecuredfromobservation，eitherbyhispositionorhisinsignificance，wasgloweringonthepairinamannerthatatanothertimemusthavecosthimarebuke。Asitwas，Ifoundsomethingfriendly，aswellascurious，inhisfixedfrown；andignorantofhisname，thoughIknewhimbysight，wonderedbothwhohewasandwhatwasthecauseofhispreoccupation。
　　OntheonepointIhadnodifficultyinsatisfyingmyself。
　　Boisrueil，whopresentlypassed，toldmethathisnamewasVallon；thathebelongedtoapoorbutoldfamilyintheCotentin，andthathehadbeenonlythreemonthsatcourt。
　　"Makinghisfortune，Isuppose？"Isaidgrimly。"Hegames？"
　　"No，yourexcellency。"
　　"Isindebt？"
　　"Nottomyknowledge。"
　　"Towhomdoeshepayhiscourt，then？"
　　"TotheKing。"
　　"AndtheQueen？"
　　"Notparticularly——asfarasIknow，atleast。Butifyouwishtoknowmore，M。leDuc，"Boisrueilcontinued，"Iwill——"
　　"No，no，"Isaidpeevishly。TheQueenhadjusthandedherlastrouleauacrossthetable，andwasstillplaying。"Go，man，aboutyourbusiness；Idon'twanttospendtheeveninggossipingwithyou。"
　　Hewent，andIdismissedtheyoungfellowfrommymind；onlytofindhimfiveminuteslateratmyelbow。Toyouthandgoodlooksheaddedamodestbearingthatdidnotfailtoenhancethemandcommendhimtome；themajorityoftheyoungsparksofthedaybeingwiserthantheirfathers。ButIconfessthatIwasnotpreparedforthestammeringembarrassmentwithwhichheaddressedme——nor，indeed，tobeaddressedbyhimatall。
　　"M。deSully，"hesaid，inatoneofemotion，"Ibegyoutopardonme。Iamingreattrouble，andIthinkthatperhaps，strangerasIam，youmaycondescendtodomeaservice。"
　　Somanymenappealtoaministerwithsomesuchformulaontheirlips，andattimeswithacalculatedtimidity，thatatthefirstblushofhisrequestIwasinclinedtobidhimcometomeatthepropertime；andtoremovetoanotherpartoftheroom。Butcuriosity，playingthepartofhisadvocate，foundsomuchthatwascandidinhismannerthatIhesitated。"Whatisit？"Isaidstiffly。
　　"Averyslight，ifaveryunusual，one，"hemuttered。"M。leDuc，Ionlywantyouto——"
　　"To？"forhestoppedandseemedunabletogoon。
　　"TosupplementthepresentyouhavegiventotheQueenwiththis，"heblurtedout，hisfacepalewithemotion；andhestealthilyheldouttomeagreensilkpurse，throughthemeshesofwhichIsawtheglintofgold。"M。deSully，"hecontinued，observingmyhastymovement，"donotbeoffended！Iknowthatyouhavedoneallthathospitalityrequired。ButIseethattheQueenhasalreadylostyourgift，andthat——"
　　Sheisplayingoncredit？"
　　"Yes，Monsieur。"
　　Hesaiditsimply，andashespoke，heagainpressedonmethepurse。Itookandweighedit，andcalculatedataguessthatitheldfiftycrowns。Thesumastonishedme。"Why，man，"Isaid，"youarenotmadenoughtobeinlovewithherMajesty？"
　　"No！"hecried，vehemently，yetwithagleamofhumourinhiseye。"Iswearthatitisnotso。Ifyouwilldomethisfavour——"
　　Itwasamadimpulsethattookme，butInodded，andresolvingtomakegoodthemoneyoutofmyownpocketshouldthecase，whenallwasclear，seemtodemandit，Iwentstraightfromhim，and，crossingthefloor，laidthepursenearherMajesty'shand，withapolitewordofregretthatfortunehadusedhersoill，andahopethatthismightbethemeansofrecruitingherforces。
　　Itwouldnothavesurprisedmehadsheshownsomesignsofconsciousness，andperhapsbetrayedthatsherecognisedthepurse。Butshecontentedherselfwiththankingmeprettily，andalmostbeforeIhaddonespeakinghadherslenderfingersamongthecoins。Turning，IfoundthatVallonhaddisappeared；sothatallcametoasuddenstop；andwiththeoneandtheother，I
　　retiredcompletelypuzzled，andlessablethanbeforetomakeevenaguessatthesecretoftheyoungman'sgenerosity。
　　However，theKingsummoningmetohim，there，forthetime，wasanendofthematter:andbetweenfatigueandthedutiesofmyposition，Ididnotgiveasecondthoughttoitthatevening。
　　Nextmorning，too，IwastakenupwiththegiftswhichitwasmyprivilegeasMasteroftheMinttopresenttotheKingonNewYear'sDay，andwhichconsistedthisyearofmedalsofgold，silver，andcopper，bearinginscriptionsofmyowncomposition，togetherwithsmallbagsofnewcoinsfortheKing，theQueen，andtheirattendants。
　　TheseIalwaysmadeitapointtoofferbeforetheKingrose；norwasthisyearanexception，forIfoundhisMajestystillinbed，theQueenoccupyingacouchinthesamechamber。Butwhereasitgenerallyfelltometoarousethemfromsleep，andbethefirsttoofferthosecomplimentswhichbefittedtheday，Ifoundthemonthisoccasionfullyroused，theKinglazilytoyingwithhiswatch，theQueentalkingfastandangrily，andattheedgeofthecarpetbesideherbedMademoiselleD'Oyleyindeepdisgrace。TheQueen，indeed，wassotakenupwithscoldingherthatshehadforgottenwhatdayitwas；andevenaftermyentrance，continuedtoratethepoorgirlsofiercelythatIthoughtherpresentviolencelittlelessunseemlythanhercondescensionofthenightbefore。
　　Perhapssometraceofthisfeelingappearedinmycountenance；
　　for，presently，theKing，whoseldomfailedtoreadmythoughts，triedtocheckherinagood-naturedfashion。"Come，mydear，"
　　hesaid；"letthattremblingmousego。AnddoyouhearwhatourgoodfriendSullyhasbroughtyou？I'llbebound——"
　　"HowyourMajestytalks！"theQueenanswered，pettishly。"Asifafewpaltrycoinscouldmakeupformyjar！I'llbebound，formypart，thatthisidlewenchwasrompingandplayingwith——"
　　"Come，come；youhavemadehercryenough！"theKinginterrupted——and，indeed，thegirlwassobbingsopassionatelythatamancouldnotlistenwithoutpain。"Lethergo，Isay，anddoyouattendtoSully。YouhaveforgottenthatitisNewYear'sDay——"
　　"Ajarofmajolica，"theQueencried，Utterlydisregardinghim，"worthyourbodyandsoul，youlittleslut！"
　　"Pooh！pooh！"theKingsaid。
　　"DoyouthinkthatIbroughtitfromFlorence，allthewayinmyown——"
　　"Nightcap，"theKingmuttered。"There，there，sweetheart，"hecontinued，aloud，"letthegirlgo！"
　　"Ofcourse！Sheisagirl，"theQueencried，withasneer。
　　"Thatisenoughforyou！"
　　"Well，madam，sheisnottheonlyoneintheroom，"Iventured。
　　"Oh，ofcourse？，youaretheKing'secho！"
　　"Runaway，littleone，"Henrysaid，winkingtometobesilent。
　　"Andconsideryourselflucky，"theQueencried，venomously。"Yououghttobewhipped；andifIhadyouinmycountry，Iwouldhaveyouwhippedforallyourairs！SanGiacomo，ifyoucrossme，I
　　willseetoit！"
　　Thiswasapartingthrust；forthegirl，catchingattheKing'spermission，hadturnedandwashurryinginapassionoftearstothedoor。Still，theQueenhadnotdone。Mademoisellehadbrokenajar；andtherewereothermisdemeanourswhichherMajestycontinuedtoexpound。ButintheendIhadmysay，andpresentedthemedals，whichwereacceptedbytheKingwithhisusualkindness，andbytheQueen，whenherfeelingshadfoundexpression，withsufficientcomplaisance。Bothweregoodenoughtocomplimentmeonmyentertainment；butobservingthattheQueenquicklyburiedherselfagaininherpillowsandwasinclinedtobepeevish，Icutshortmyattendanceonthepleaoffatigue，andleftthematlibertytoreceivetheverynumerouscompanywhoonthisdaypaytheircourt。
　　Ofthese，thegreaternumbercameonafterwards，towaitonme；
　　sothatforsomehoursthelargehallattheArsenalwasthrongedwithmyfriends，orthosewhocalledthemselvesbythatname。
　　Buttowardsnoonthestreambegantofail；andwhenIsatdowntodinneratthathour，IhadreasontosupposethatIshouldbeleftatpeace。Ihadnotmorethanbegunmymeal，however，whenIwascalledfromtablebyamessengerfromtheQueen。
　　"Whatisit？"Isaid，whenIhadgonetohim。HadhecomefromtheKing，Icouldhaveunderstooditmoreeasily。
　　"HerMajestydesirestoknow，yourexcellency，whetheryouhaveseenanythingofMademoiselleD'Oyley。"
　　"I？"
　　"Yes，M。leDuc。"
　　"No，certainlynot。HowshouldI？"Ireplied。
　　"Andsheisnothere？"themanpersisted。
　　"No！"Ianswered，angrily。"GodblesstheQueen，Iknownothingofher。Iamsittingatmeat，and——"
　　Themaninterruptedmewithprotestationsofregret，and，hasteningtoexpresshimselfthoroughlysatisfied，retiredwithacrestfallenair。Iwonderedwhatthemessagemeant，andwhathadcomeovertheQueen，andwhitherthegirlhadgone。ButasI
　　madeitarulethroughoutmytermofofficetoavoid，asfaraspossible，allparticipationinbed-chamberintrigues，Iwastedlittletimeonthematter，butreturningtomydinner，tookuptheconversationwhereIhadleftit。BeforeIrose，however，LaTrapecametomeandagaininterruptedme。HeannouncedthatamessengerfromhisMajestywaswaitinginthehall。
　　Iwentout，thinkingitveryprobablethatHenryhadsentmeapresent；thoughitwashismoreusualcustomonthisdaytohonourmewithavisit，anddeclarehisgenerousintentionsbywordofmouth，whenwehadbothretiredtomylibraryandthedoorwasclosed。Still，ononeortwooccasionshehadsentmeahorsefromhisstables，abraceofIndianfowl，amelonorthelike，asaforetaste；andthisIsupposedtobetheerrandonwhichthemanhadcome。
　　Hisfirstwordsdisabusedme。"Mayitpleaseyourexcellency，"
　　hesaid，verycivilly，"theKingdesirestoberememberedtoyouasusual，andwould]earnwhetheryouknowanythingofMademoiselleD'Oyley。"
　　"Ofwhom？"Icried，astonished。
　　"OfMademoiselleD'Oyley，herMajesty'smaidofhonour。"
　　"NotI，i'faith！"Isaid，drily。"Iamnosquireofdames，tosaynothingofmaids！"
　　"ButhisMajesty——"
　　"Ifhehassentthatmessage，"Ireplied，"hasyetsomethingtolearn——thatIdonotinterestmyselfinmaidsofhonourorsuchfrailties。"
　　Themansmiled。"Idonotthink，"hebegan，"thatitwashisMajesty——"
　　"Sentthemessage？"Isaid。"No，buttheQueen，Isuppose。"
　　Onthishegavemetounderstand，inthesly，secretivemannersuchmenaffect，thatitwasso。Iaskedhimthenwhatallthisfermentwasabout。"HasMademoiselleD'Oyleydisappeared？"I
　　said，peevishly。
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。ShewaswiththeQueenateighto'clock。
　　AtnoonherMajestydesiredherservices，andshewasnottobefound。"
　　"What？"Iexclaimed。"Amaidofhonourismissingforthreehoursinthemorning，andthereisallthistravelling！Why，inmyyoungdays，threenightsmighthave——"
　　Butdiscerningthathewaslittlemorethanayouth，andcouldnot；restrainasmile，Ibrokeoffdiscreetly，andcontentedmyselfwithaskingiftherewasreasontosupposethattherewasmorethanappearedinthegirl'sabsence。
　　"HerMajestythinksso，"heanswered。
　　"Well，inanycase，Iknownothingaboutit，"Ireplied。"Iamnothidingher。YoumaytellhisMajestythat，withmyservice。
　　OrIwillwriteit。"
　　Heansweredme，eagerly，thatthatwasnotnecessary，andthattheKinghaddesiredmerelyawordfromme；andwiththatandmanyotherexpressionsofregret，hewentawayandleftmeatleisuretogototheriding-school，whereatthistimeoftheyearitwasmywonttoseetheyoungmenpractisethosemanlyarts，which，sofarasIcanjudge，areatalowerebbinthesemoderndaysofquipsandquodlibetsthaninthestirringtimesofmyyouth。Then，thankGod，itwasheldmorenecessaryforapagetoknowhissevenpointsofhorsemanshipthanhowtotiearibbon，orprankagown，orreadaprimer。
　　Butthefirstdayofthisyearwasdestinedtobeadayofvexation。Ihadscarcelyenteredtheschool，whenM。deVarenneswasannounced。InsteadofgoingtomeethimIbadethembringhimtome，and，onseeinghim，badehimwelcometothesports。
　　"Though，"Isaid，politelyoverlookinghispasthistoryandhisorigin，"wedidbetterinourtimes；yettheyoungfellowsshouldbeencouraged。"
　　"Verytrue，"heanswered，suavely。"AndIwishIcouldstaywithyou。ButitwasnotforpleasureIcame。TheKingsentme。Hedesirestoknow——"
　　"What？"Isaid。
　　"IfyouknowanythingofMademoiselleD'Oyley。Betweenourselves，M。leDuc——"
　　Ilookedathiminamazement。"Why，"Isaid，"whatonearthhasthegirldonenow？"
　　"Disappeared，"heanswered。
　　"Butshehaddonethatbefore。"
　　"Yes，"hesaid，"andtheKinghadyourmessage。But——"
　　"Butwhat？"Isaidsternly。
　　"Hethoughtthatyoumightwishtosupplementitforhisprivateuse。"
　　"Tosupplementit？"
　　"Yes。Thetruthis，"Varennescontinued，lookingatmedoubtfully，"theKinghasinformationwhichleadshimtosupposethatshemaybehere。"
　　"Shemaybeanywhere，"Iansweredinatonethatclosedhismouth，"butsheisnothere。AndyoumaytelltheKingsofromme！"