ForeseeingthatsomewhodonotlovemewillbeswifttoallegethatinthepreparationofthesememoirsIhavesetdownonlysuchthingsasredoundtomycredit，andhavesuppressedthemanyexperiencesnotsopropitiouswhichfalltothelotofthemostsagaciouswhileinpower，Itakethisopportunityofrefutingthatcalumny。ForthetruthstandssofartheotherwaythatmyrespectfortheKing\'spersonhasledmetoomitmanythingscreditabletome；andsome，itmaybe，thatplacemeinahigherlightthananyIhavesetdown。Andnotonlythat:butI
proposeinthisveryplacetonarratethecuriousdetailsofanadventurewhereinIshowedtolessadvantagethanusual；andonwhichIshould，wereImovedbythepettyfeelingsimputedtomebymalice，beabsolutelysilent。
Oneday，aboutafortnightafterthequarrelbetweentheKingandtheDuchessofBeaufort，whichIhavedescribed，andwhicharose，itwillberemembered，outofmyrefusaltopaythechristeningexpensesofhersecondsononthescaleofachildofFrance，I
wassittinginmylodgingsatSt。GermainswhenMaignanannouncedthatM。dePerrotdesiredtoseeme。KnowingPerrottobeoneofthemostnotoriousbeggarsaboutthecourt，withaninsatiablemawofhisownandanendlesstrainofnephewsandnieces，Iwasatfirstforbeingemployed；but，reflectingthatinthecrisisintheKing\'saffairswhichIsawapproaching——andwhichmust，ifhepursuedhisexpressedintentionofmarryingtheDuchess，befraughtwithinfinitedangertotheStateandhimself——theleasthelpmightbeofthegreatestmoment，Ibadethemadmithim；
privatelydeterminingtothrowtheodiumofanyrefusalupontheoverweeninginfluenceofMadamedeSourdis，theDuchess\'saunt。
AccordinglyImethimwithcivility，andwasnotsurprisedwhen，withhissecondspeech，hebroughtoutthewordFAVOUR。ButI
wassurprised——for，asIhavesaid，Iknewhimtobethebestpractisedbeggarintheworld——tonoteinhismannersomeindicationsofembarrassmentandnervousness；which，whenIdidnotimmediatelyassent，increasedtoasensibleextent。
\"Itisaverysmallthing，M。deRosny，\"hesaid，breathinghard。
OnthathintIdeclaredmywillingnesstoservehim。\"But，\"I
added，shruggingmyshouldersandspeakinginaconfidentialtone，\"nooneknowstheCourtbetterthanyoudo，M。dePerrot。
Youareinalloursecrets，andyoumustbeawarethatatpresent——IsaynothingoftheDuchess，sheisagoodwoman，anddevotedtohisMajesty——butthereareothers——\"
\"Iknow，\"heanswered，withaflashofmalevolencethatdidnotescapeme。\"Butthisisaprivatefavour，M。deRosny。ItisnothingthatMadamedeSourdiscandesire，eitherforherselforforothers。\"
Thatarousedmycuriosity。Onlytheweekbefore，MadamedeSourdishadobtainedaHatforherson，andthepostofassistantDeputyComptrollerofBuildingsforherGroomoftheChambers。
ForherniecetheDuchessshemeditatedobtainingnothinglessthanacrown。Iwasatpains，therefore，tothinkofanyoffice，post，orpensionthatcouldbebeyondthepaleofherdesires；
andinafitofgaietyIbadeM。dePerrotspeakoutandexplainhisriddle。
\"Itisasmallthing，\"hesaid，withill-disguisednervousness。
\"TheKinghuntsto-morrow。\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid。
\"Andverycommonlyheridesbackinyourcompany，M。leMarquis。\"
\"Sometimes，\"Isaid；\"orwithM。d\'Epernon。Or，ifheisinamoodforscandal，withM。laVarenneorVitry。\"
\"Butwithyou，ifyouwishit，andcaretocontriveitso，\"hepersisted，withacunninglook。
Ishruggedmyshoulders。\"Well？\"Isaid，wonderingmoreandmorewhathewouldbeat。
\"IhaveahouseonthefarthersideofPoissy，\"hecontinued。
\"AndIshouldtakeitasafavour，M。deRosny，ifyoucouldinducetheKingtodismountthereto-morrowandtakeacupofwine。\"
\"Thatisaverysmallthing，\"Isaidbluntly，wonderingmuchwhyhehadmadesogreataparadeofthematter，andstillmorewhyheseemedsoillatease。\"Yet，aftersuchaprelude，ifanybutafriendofyourtriedloyaltyaskedit，ImightexpecttofindSpanishliquoriceinthecup。\"
\"Thatisoutofthequestion，inmycase，\"heansweredwithaslightassumptionofoffence，whichheimmediatelydropped。\"Andyousayitisasmallthing；itisthemoreeasilygranted，M。deRosny。\"
\"ButtheKinggoesandcomesathispleasure，\"Irepliedwarily。
\"Ofcourse，hemight-takeitintohisheadtodescendatyourhouse。Therewouldbenothingsurprisinginsuchavisit。I
thinkthathehaspaidyouonebefore，M。dePerrot？\"
Heassentedeagerly。
\"Andhemaydoso，\"Isaid，smiling，\"to-morrow。Butthen，again，hemaynot。Thechasemayleadhimanotherway；orhemaybelateinreturning；or——infine，ahundredthingsmayhappen。\"
Ihadnomindtogofartherthanthat；andIsupposedthatitwouldsatisfyhim，andthathewouldthankmeandtakehisleave。
Tomysurprise，however，hestoodhisground，andevenpressedmemorethanwaspolite；whilehiscountenance，whenIagaineludedhim，assumedanexpressionofchagrinandvexationsomuchinexcessoftheoccasionastoawakenfreshdoubtsinmymind。Buttheseonlythemoreconfirmedmeinmyresolutiontocommitmyselfnofarther，especiallyashewasnotamanIlovedorcouldtrust；andintheendhehadtoretirewithsuchcomfortasIhadalreadygivenhim。
Initself，andonthesurface，thethingseemedtobeatrifle，unworthyoftheseriousconsiderationofanyman。ButinsofarasittouchedtheKing\'spersonandmovements，Iwasinclinedtoviewitinanotherlight；andthisthemore，asIstillhadfreshinmymemorytheremarkablemannerinwhichFatherCotton，theJesuit，hadgivenmeawarningbyawordaboutaboxwoodfire。
Afteramoment\'sthought，therefore，IsummonedBoisrueil，oneofmygentlemen，whohadanacknowledgedtalentforcollectinggossip；andItoldhiminacasualwaythatM。dePerrothadbeenwithme。
\"HehasnotbeenatCourtforaweek，\"heremarked。
\"Indeed？\"Isaid。
\"HeappliedforthepostofAssistantDeputyComptrollerofBuildingsforhisnephew，andtookoffencewhenitwasgiventoMadamedeSourdis\'GroomoftheChambers。\"
\"Ha！\"Isaid；\"adangerousmalcontent。\"
Boisrueilsmiled。\"HehaslivedaweekoutofthesunshineofhisMajesty\'scountenance，yourexcellency。Afterthat，allthingsarepossible。\"
Thiswasmyownestimateoftheman，whomItooktobeoneofthosesmug，pliantself-seekerswhomCourtsandpeacebreedup。
IcouldimaginenodangerthatcouldthreatentheKingfromsuchaquarter；whilecuriosityinclinedmetogranthisrequest。Asithappened，thedeerthenextdaytookusinthedirectionofPoissy，andtheKing，whowasalwaysitchingtodiscusswithmethequestionofhisprojectedmarriage，andasconstantly，sinceourlongtalkinthegardenatRennes，avoidingthesubjectwhenwithme，bademeridehomewithhim。OncomingwithinhalfamileofPerrot\'sIletfallhisname，andinaverynaturalwaysuggestedthattheKingshouldalightthereforafewminutes。
ItwasoneofthethingsHenrydelightedtodo，for，endowedwiththeeasiestmanners，andableinamomenttoexchangetheformalityoftheLouvreforthefreedomofthecamp，hecouldgivetosuchcheapfavourstheirfullvalue。Heconsentedontheinstant，therefore；andturningourhorsesintoaby-road，wesauntereddownitwithnogreaterattendancethanacoupleofpages。
Thesunwasnearsetting，anditsrays，whichstillgildedthetree-tops，leftthewoodbelowpensiveandmelancholy。Thehousestoodinasolitaryplaceontheedgeoftheforest，halfamilefromPoissy；andthesetwothingshadtheireffectonmymind。I
begantowishthatwehadbroughtwithushalfatroopofhorse，oratleasttwoorthreegentlemen；and，startledbythethoughtoftheunknownchancestowhich，outofmereidlecuriosity，I
wasexposingtheKing，Iwouldgladlyhaveturnedback。ButwithoutexplanationIcouldnotdoso；andwhileIhesitatedHenrycriedoutgailythatwewerethere。
Ashortavenueoflimesledfromtheforestroadtothedoor。I
lookedcuriouslybeforeusaswerodeunderthetrees，insomefearlestM。dePerrot\'spreparationsshoulddiscovermycomplicity，andapprisetheKingthathewasexpected。Butsofarwasthisfrombeingthecasethatnooneappeared；thehouserosestillandsilentinthemellowlightofsunset，and，forallthatwecouldsee，mighthavebeenthefabledpalaceofenchantment。
\"\'HeisJeandeNivelle\'sdog；herunsawaywhenyoucallhim，\'\"
theKingquoted。\"Getdown，Rosny。WehavereachedthepalaceoftheSleepingPrincess。Itremainsonlytosoundthehorn，and——\"
Iwasintheactofdismounting，withmybacktohim，whenhiswordscametothissuddenstop。Iturnedtolearnwhatcausedit，andsawstandingintheapertureofthewicket，whichhadbeensilentlyopened，agirl，littlemorethanachild，ofthemoststrikingbeauty。Surpriseshoneinhereyes，andshynessandalarmhadbroughtthecolourtohercheeks；whilethelevelraysofthesun，whichforcedhertoscreenhereyeswithonesmallhand，clothedherfigureinarobeoflucentglory。I
heardtheKingwhistlelow。BeforeIcouldspeakhehadflunghimselffromhishorseand，throwingthereinstooneofthepages，wasbowingbeforeher。
\"Wewereabouttosoundthehorn，Mademoiselle，\"hesaid，smiling。
\"Thehorn，Monsieur？\"sheexclaimed，openinghereyesinwonder，andstaringathimwiththeprettiestfaceofastonishment。
\"Yes，Mademoiselle；toawakenthesleepingprincess，\"herejoined。\"ButIseethatsheisalreadyawake。\"
Throughtheinnocenceofhereyesflashedasuddengleamofarchness。\"Monsieurflattershimself，\"shesaid，withasmilethatjustrevealedthewhitenessofherteeth。
ItwassuchananswerasdelightedtheKing；wholoved，aboveallthings，acombinationofwitandbeauty，andneverforanylongtimeworethechainsofawomanwhodidnotunitesensetomoreshowyattractions。Fromtheeffectwhichthegraceandfreshnessofthegirlhadonme，Icouldjudgeinadegreeoftheimpressionmadeonhim；hisnextwordsshowednotonlyitsdepth，butthathewasdeterminedtoenjoytheadventuretothefull。
HepresentedmetoherasM。deSage，andinquiringaffectionatelyafterPerrot，learnedinatricethatshewashisniece，notlongfromaconventatLoches；finally，beggingtobeallowedtorestawhile，hedroppedagallanthintthatacupofwinefromherhandswouldbeacceptable。
Allthis，andherinnocentdoubtwhatsheoughttodo，thusbroughtfacetofacewithtwostrangecavaliers，threwthegirlintosuchastateofblushingconfusionasredoubledhercharms。
ItappearedthatherunclehadbeensummonedunexpectedlytoMarly，andhadtakenhissonwithhim；andthatthehouseholdhadseizedtheoccasiontogotoavillageFETEatAcheres。Onlyanoldservantremainedinthehouse；whopresentlyappearedandtookherorders。Isawfromtheman\'sstartofconsternationthatheknewtheKing；butaglancefromHenry\'seyesbiddingmekeepuptheillusion，IfollowedthefellowandchargedhimnottobetraytheKing\'sincognito。WhenIreturned，IfoundthatMademoisellehadconductedhervisitortoagrassyterracewhichranalongthesouthsideofthehouse，andwasscreenedfromtheforestbyanalleyofappletrees，andfromtheeastwindbyahedgeofyew。Here，wherethelastraysofthesunthrewsinuousshadowsontheturf，andParisseemedamillionmilesaway，theywerewalkingupanddown，thesoundoftheirlaughterbreakingthewoodlandsilence。Mademoisellehadafan，withwhichandanairofconventcoquetrysheoccasionallyshadedhereyes。TheKingcarriedhishatinhishand。Itwassuchanadventureasheloved，withallhisheart；andIstoodalittlewayoff，smiling，andthinkinggrimlyofM。dePerrot。
Onasudden，hearingastepbehindme，Iturned，andsawayoungmaninariding-dresscomequicklythroughanopeningintheyewhedge。AsIturned，hestopped；hisjawfell，andhestoodrootedtotheground，gazingatthetwoontheterrace，whilehisface，whichamomentbeforehadwornanairofpleasedexpectancy，grewonasuddendarkwithpassion，andputonsuchalookasmadememovetowardshim。BeforeIreachedhim，However，M。dePerrothimselfappearedathisside。Theyoungmanflashedroundonhim。\"MONDIEU，sir！\"hecried，inavoicechokedwithanger；\"Iseeitallnow！IunderstandwhyIwascarriedawaytoMarly！I——butitshallnotbe！Iswearitshallnot！\"
Betweenhimandme——for，needlesstosay，I，too，understoodall——M。dePerrotwasawkwardlyplaced。Butheshowedthepresenceofmindoftheoldcourtier。\"Silence，sir！\"Heexclaimedimperatively。\"DoyounotseeM。deRosny？Gotohimatonceandpayyourrespectstohim，andrequesthimtohonouryouwithhisprotection。Or——IseethatyouareovercomebythehonourwhichtheKingdoesus。Go，first，andchangeyourdress。Go，boy！\"
Theladretiredsullenly，andM。dePerrot，freetodealwithmealone，approachedme，smilingassiduously，andtryinghardtohidesomeconsciousnessandalittleshameunderamaskofcordiality。\"Athousandpardons，M。deRosny，\"hecriedwitheffusion，\"foranabsencequiteunpardonable。ButIsolittleexpectedtoseehisMajestyafterwhatyousaid，and——\"
\"Areinnohurrytointerrupthimnowyouarehere，\"Irepliedbluntly，determinedthat，whoeverhedeceived，heshouldnotflatterhimselfhedeceivedme。\"Pooh，man！Iamnotafool，\"I
continued。
\"Whatisthis？\"hecried，withadesperateattempttokeepupthefarce。\"Idon\'tunderstandyou！\"
\"No，theshoeisontheotherfoot——Iunderstandyou，\"Ireplieddrily。\"Chut，man！\"Icontinued，\"youdon\'tmakeacats-pawofme。Iseethegame。YouareforsittinginMadamedeSourdis\'
seat，andgivingyoursonaHat，andyourgroomaComptrollership，andyourniecea——\"
\"Hush，hush，M。deRosny，\"hemuttered，turningwhiteandred，andwipinghisbrowwithhiskerchief。\"MONDIEU！yourwordsmight——\"
\"Ifoverheard，makethingsveryunpleasantforM。dePerrot，\"I
said。
\"AndM。deRosny？\"
Ishruggedmyshoulderscontemptuously。\"Tush，man！\"Isaid。
\"DoyouthinkthatIsitinnosaferseatthanthat？\"
\"Ah！ButwhenMadamedeBeaufortisQueen？\"hesaidslily。
\"Ifsheeveris，\"Ireplied，affectinggreaterconfidencethanI
atthattimefelt。
\"Well，tobesure，\"hesaidslowly，\"ifsheeveris。\"AndhelookedtowardstheKingandhiscompanion，whowerestillchattinggaily。Thenhestoleacraftyglanceatme。\"Doyouwishhertobe？\"hemuttered。
\"Queen？\"Isaid，\"Godforbid！\"
\"ItwouldbeadisgracetoFrance？\"hewhispered；andhelaidhishandonmyarm，andlookedeagerlyintomyface。
\"Yes，\"Isaid。
\"Ablotonhisfame？\"
Inodded。
\"A——asluronascoreofnoblefamilies？\"
Icouldnotdenyit。
\"Then——isitnotworthwhiletoavoidallthat？\"hemurmured，hisfacepale，andhissmalleyesgluedtomine。\"Isitnotworthalittle——sacrifice，M。deRosny？\"
\"Andrisk？\"Isaid。\"Possibly。\"
Whilethewordswerestillonmylips，somethingstirredclosetous，behindtheyewhedgebesidewhichwewerestanding。Perrotdartedinamomenttotheopening，andIafterhim。Wewerejustintimetocatchaglimpseofafiguredisappearingroundthecornerofthehouse。\"Well，\"Isaidgrimly，\"whataboutbeingoverheardnow？\"
M。dePerrotwipedhisface。\"ThankHeaven！\"hesaid，\"itwasonlymyson。Nowletmeexplaintoyou——\"
ButourhastymovementhadcaughttheKing\'seye，andhecametowardsus，coveringhimselfasheapproached。Ihadnowanopportunityoflearningwhetherthegirlwas，infact，asinnocentassheseemed，andaseveryparticularofourreceptionhaddeclaredher；andIwatchedhercloselywhenPerrot\'smodeofaddressbetrayedtheKing\'sidentity。Sufficeitthatthevividblushwhichontheinstantsuffusedherface，andthelivelyemotionwhichalmostovercameher，leftmeinnodoubt。Withacharmingairofbashfulness，andjustsomuchtimidawkwardnessasrenderedherdoublybewitching，shetriedtokneelandkisstheKing\'shand。Hewouldnotpermitthis，however，butsalutedhercheek。
\"Itseemsthatyouwereright，sire，\"shemurmured，curtseyinginaprettyconfusion，\"Theprincesswasnotawake。\"
Henrylaughedgaily。\"Comenow；tellmefrankly，Mademoiselle，\"
hesaid。\"Forwhomdidyoutakeme？\"
\"NotfortheKing，sire，\"sheanswered，withagleamofroguishness。\"YoutoldmethattheKingwasagoodman，whosebenevolentimpulseswereconstantlychecked——\"
\"Ah！\"
\"ByM。deRosny，hisMinister。\"
Theoutburstoflaughterwhichgreetedthisapprisedherthatshewasagainatfault；andHenry，wholikednothingbetterthansuchmystifications，introducingmebymypropername，wedivertedourselvesforsomeminuteswithheralarmandexcuses。Afterthatitwastimetotakeleave，ifwewouldsupathomeandtheKingwouldnotbemissed；andaccordingly，butnotwithoutsomefurtherbadinage，inwhichMademoiselledeBrutdisplayedwitequaltoherbeauty，andanagreeablerefinementnotalwaysfoundwitheither，wedeparted。
Itshouldbeclearlyunderstoodatthispoint，that，notwithstandingallIhavesetdown，IwasfullydeterminedinaccordancewitharuleIhaveconstantlyfollowed，andwouldenjoinonallwhodonotdesiretofindthemselvesonedaysaddledwithanuglynametohavenopartintheaffair；andthisthoughtheadvantageofalteringtheKing\'sintentionstowardsMadamedeBeaufortwasnevermorevividlypresenttomymind。Aswerode，indeed，heputseveralquestionsconcerningtheBaron，andhisfamily，andconnections；and，fallingintoareverie，andsmilingagooddealathisthoughts，leftmeinnodoubtastotheimpressionmadeuponhim。ButbeingengagedatthetimewiththeSpanishtreaty，andresolved，asIhavesaid，tosteeracourseuninfluencedbysuchintrigues，Ididnotletmyminddwelluponthematter；norgaveit，indeed，asecondthoughtuntilthenextafternoon，when，sittingatanopenwindowofmylodging，IheardavoiceinthestreetaskwheretheDuchessdeBeauforthadherapartment。
Thevoicestruckachordinmymemory，andIlookedout。Themanwhohadputthequestion，andwhowasnowbeingdirectedonhisway——byMaignan，myequerry，asitchancedhadhisbacktome，andIcouldseeonlythathewasyoung，shabbilydressed，andwiththeairofaworkmancarriedasmallfrailoftoolsonhisshoulder。Butpresently，intheactofthankingMaignan，heturnedsothatIsawhisface，andwiththatitflasheduponmeinamomentwhohewas。
Accustomedtofollowatrainofthoughtquickly，andtoact；onitsconclusionwithenergy，IhadMaignancalledandfurnishedwithhisinstructionsbeforethemanhadgonetwentypaces；andwithintheminuteIhadthesatisfactionofseeingthetworeturntogether。AstheypassedunderthewindowIheardmyservantexplainingwiththeutmostnaturalnessthathehadmisunderstoodthestranger，andthatthiswasMadamedeBeaufort\'s；afterwhichscarceaminuteelapsedbeforethedoorofmyroomopened，andheappearedusheringinyoungPerrot！
Orsoitseemedtome；andthestartofsurpriseandconsternationwhichescapedthestrangerwhenhefirstsawmeconfirmedmeintheimpression。ButamomentlaterIdoubted；sonaturalwasthepostureintowhichthemanfell，andsostupidthelookofinquirywhichheturnedfirstonmeandthenonMaignan。Ashestoodbeforeme，shiftinghisfeetandstaringabouthiminvacantwonder，IbegantothinkthatIhadmadeamistake；and，clearly，eitherIhaddonesoorthisyoungmanwaspossessedoftalentsandapowerofcontrollinghisfeaturesbeyondtheordinary。Heunslunghistools，andsalutingmeabjectlywaitedinsilence。Afteramoment\'sthought，IaskedhimperemptorilywhatwashiserrandwiththeDuchessdeBeaufort。
\"Toshowherawatch，yourexcellency，\"hestammered，hismouthopen，hiseyesstaring。Icoulddetectnoflawinhisacting。
\"Whatareyou，then？\"Isaid。
\"Aclockmaker，mylord。\"
\"HasMadamesentforyou？\"
\"No，mylord，\"hestuttered，trembling。
\"Doyouwanttosellherthewatch？\"
Hemutteredthathedid；andthathemeantnoharmbyit。
\"Showittome，then，\"Isaidcurtly。
Hegrewredatthat，andseemedforaninstantnottounderstand。
Butonmyrepeatingtheorderhethrusthishandintohisbreast，andproducingaparcelbegantounfastenit。ThishedidsoslowlythatIwassoonforthinkingthattherewasnowatchinit；butintheendhefoundoneandhandedittome。
\"Youdidnotmakethis，\"Isaid，openingit。
\"No，mylord，\"heanswered；\"itisGerman，andold。\"
Isawthatitwasofexcellentworkmanship，andIwasabouttohanditbacktohim，almostpersuadedthatIhadmadeamistake，wheninasecondmydoubtsweresolved。Engravedonthethickendoftheegg，andpartlyerasedbywear，wasadog\'shead，whichIknewtobethecrestofthePerrots。
\"So，\"Isaid，preparingtoreturnittohim，\"youareaclockmaker？\"
\"Yes，yourexcellency，\"hemuttered。AndIthoughtthatIcaughtthesoundofasighofrelief。
IgavethewatchtoMaignantohandtohim。\"Verywell，\"Isaid。
\"Ihaveneedofone。Theclockinthenextroom——agiftfromhisMajesty——isoutoforder，andatastandstill。Youcangoandattendtoit；andseethatyoudososkilfully。Anddoyou，Maignan，\"Icontinuedwithmeaning，\"gowithhim。Whenhehasmadetheclockgo，lethimgo；andnotbefore，oryouanswerforit。Youunderstand，sirrah？\"
Maignansalutedobsequiously，andinamomenthurriedyoungPerrotfromtheroom；leavingmetocongratulatemyselfonthestrangeandfortuitouscircumstancethathadthrownhiminmyway，andenabledmetoguardagainstaRENCONTREthatmighthavehadthemostembarassingconsequences。
Itrequirednogreatsagacitytoforeseethe，nextmove；andI
wasnotsurprisedwhen，aboutanhourlater，Iheardaclatterofhoofsoutside，andavoiceinquiringhurriedlyfortheMarquisdeRosny。OneofmypeopleannouncedM。dePerrot，andIbadethemadmithim。Inatwinklinghecameup，palewithheat，andcoveredwithdust，hiseyesalmoststartingfromhisheadandhischeekstremblingwithagitation。Almostbeforethedoorwasshut，hecriedoutthatwewereundone。
Iwaswillingtodivertmyselfwithhimforatime，andI
pretendedtoknownothing。\"What？\"Isaid，rising。\"HastheKingmetwithanaccident？\"
\"Worse！worse！\"hecried，wavinghishatwithagestureofdespair。\"Myson——yousawmysonyesterday？\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid。
\"Heoverheardus！\"
\"Notus，\"Isaiddrily。\"You。Butwhatthen，M。dePerrot？Youaremasterinyourownhouse。\"
\"Butheisnotinmyhouse，\"hewailed。\"Hehasgone！Fled！
Decamped！Ihadwordswithhimthismorning，youunderstand。\"
\"Aboutyourniece？\"
M。dePerrot\'sfacetookadelicateshadeofred，andhenodded；
hecouldnotspeak。Heseemedforaninstantindangerofsomekindoffit。Thenhefoundhisvoiceagain。\"Thefoolpratedoflove！Oflove！\"hesaidwithsuchalook——likethatofadyingfowl——thatIcouldhavelaughedaloud。\"AndwhenIbadehimrememberhisdutyhethreatenedme。He，thatunnaturalboy，threatenedtobetrayme，toruinme，togotoMadamedeBeaufortandtellherall——all，youunderstand。AndIdoingsomuch，andmakingsuchsacrificesforhim！\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid，\"Iseethat。Andwhatdidyoudo？\"
\"Ibrokemycaneonhisback，\"M。dePerrotansweredwithunction，\"andlockedhiminhisroom。Butwhatistheuse？Theboyhasnonaturalfeelings！\"
\"Hegotoutthroughthewindow？\"
Perrotnodded；andbeingatleisure，nowthathehadexplainedhiswoes，tofeeltheirfulldepth，shedactualtearsofrageandterror；nowmoaningthatMadamewouldneverforgivehim，andthatifheescapedtheBastillehewouldloseallhisemploymentsandbethelaughing-stockoftheCourt；andnowstrivingtoshowthathisperilwasmine，andthatitwastomyinteresttohelphim。
Iallowedhimtogooninthisstrainforsometime，andthen，havingsufficientlydivertedmyselfwithhisforebodings，Ibadehiminanalteredvoicetotakecourage。\"ForIthinkIknow，\"I
said，\"whereyoursonis。\"
\"AtMadame\'s？\"hegroaned。
\"No；here，\"Isaid。
\"MONDIEU！Where？\"hecried。Andhesprangup，startledoutofhislamentations。
\"Here；inmylodging，\"Ianswered。
\"Mysonishere？\"hesaid。
\"Inthenextroom，\"Ireplied，smilingindulgentlyathisastonishment，whichwasonlylessamusingthanhisterror。\"I
havebuttotouchthisbell，andMaignanwillbringhimtoyou。\"
Fullofwonderandadmiration，heimploredmetoringandhavehimbroughtimmediately；sinceuntilhehadseteyesonhimhecouldnotfeelsafe。AccordinglyIrangmyhand-bell，andMaignanopenedthedoor。\"Theclockmaker，\"Isaidnodding。
Helookedatmestupidly。\"Theclock-maker，yourexcellency？\"
\"Yes；bringhimin，\"Isaid。
\"But——hehasgone！\"heexclaimed。
\"Gone？\"Icried，scarcelyabletobelievemyears。\"Gone，sirrah！andItoldyoutodetainhim！\"
\"Untilhehadmendedtheclock，mylord，\"Maignanstammered，quiteoutofcountenance。\"Buthesetitgoinghalf-an-hourago；
andIlethimgo，accordingtoyourorder。\"
ItisinthefaceofsuchCONTRETEMPSasthesethatthelow-bredmanbetrayshimself。Yetsuchwasmychagrinonthisoccasion，andsosuddentheshock，thatitwasallIcoulddotomaintainmySANGFROID，and，dismissingMaignanwithalook，becontenttopunishM。dePerrotwithasneer。\"Ididnotknowthatyoursonwasatradesman，\"Isaid。Hewrunghishands。\"Hehaslowtastes，\"hecried。\"Healwayshad。Hehasamusedhimselfthatway，AndnowbythistimeheiswithMadamedeBeaufortandweareundone！\"
\"Notwe，\"Iansweredcurtly；\"speakforyourself，M。dePerrot。\"
Butthough，havingnomindtoappearinhiseyesdependentonMadame\'sfavourorcaprice，Ithuscheckedhisfamiliarity，Iamfreetoconfessthatmycalmnesswaspartlyassumed；andthat，thoughIknewmypositiontobeunassailable——basedasitwasonsolidservicesrenderedtotheKing，mymaster，andonthefamiliaraffectionwithwhichhehonouredmethroughsomanyyears——IcouldnotviewtheprospectofafreshcollisionwithMadamewithoutsomemisgiving。Havinggainedthemasteryinthetwoquarrelswehadhad，Iwasthelessinclinedtoexcitehertofreshintrigues；andasunwillingtogivetheKingreasontothinkthatwecouldnotliveatpeace。Accordingly，afteramoment\'sconsideration，ItoldPerrotthat，ratherthanheshouldsuffer，IwouldgotoMadamedeBeaufortmyself，andgivesuchexplanationsaswouldplaceanothercomplexiononthematter。
Heoverwhelmedmewiththanks，and，besides，toshowhisgratitude——forhewasstillonthorns，picturingherwrathandresentmentheinsistedonaccompanyingmetotheCloitredeSt。
Germain，whereMadamehadherapartment。Bytheway，heaskedmewhatIshouldsaytoher。
\"Whateverwillgetyououtofthescrape，\"Iansweredcurtly。
\"Thenanything！\"hecriedwithfervour。\"Anything，mydearfriend。Oh，thatunnaturalboy！\"
\"Isupposethatthegirlisasbigafool？\"Isaid。
\"Bigger！bigger！\"heanswered。\"Idon\'tknowwhereshelearnedsuchthings！\"
\"Shepratedoflove，too，then？\"
\"Tobesure，\"hegroaned，\"andwithoutasouofDOT！\"
\"Well，well，\"Isaid，\"hereweare。IwilldowhatIcan。\"
FortunatelytheKingwasnotthere，andMadamewouldreceiveme。
Ithought，indeed，thatherdoorsflewopenwithsuspiciousspeed，andthatwaywasmadeformemoreeasilythanusual；andI
soonfoundthatIwasnotwrongintheinferenceIdrewfromthesefacts。ForwhenIenteredherchamberthatremarkablewoman，who，whateverherenemiesmaysay，combinedwithherbeautyaveryuncommondegreeofsenseanddiscretion，metmewithalowcourtesyandasmileofderision。\"So，\"shesaid，\"M。
deRosny，notsatisfiedwithfurnishingmewithevidence，givesmeproof。\"
\"How，Madame？\"Isaid；thoughIwellunderstood。
\"Byhispresencehere，\"sheanswered。\"Anhourago，\"shecontinued，\"theKingwaswithme。Ihadnotthentheslightestgroundtoexpectthishonour，orIamsurethathisMajestywouldhavestayedtoshareit。ButIhavesinceseenreasontoexpectit，andyouobservethatIamnotunprepared。\"
Shespokewithasparklingeye，andanexpressionofthemostlivelyresentment；sothat，hadM。dePerrotbeeninmyplaceI
thinkthathewouldhaveshedmoretears。Iwasmyselfsomewhatdashed，thoughIknewtheprudencethatgovernedherinhermostimpetuoussallies；still，toavoidtheriskofhearingthingswhichwemightbothafterwardswishunsaid，Icametothepoint。
\"IfearthatIhavetimedmyvisitill，Madame，\"Isaid。\"Youhavesomecomplaintagainstme。\"
\"Onlythatyouareliketheothers，\"sheansweredwithafinecontempt。\"Youprofessonethinganddoanother。\"
\"Asforexample？\"
\"Forexample！\"shereplied，withascornfullaugh。\"Howmanytimeshaveyoutoldmethatyouleftwomen，andintriguesinwhichwomenhadpart，ononeside？\"
Ibowed。
\"AndnowIfindyou——youandthatPerrot，thatcreature！——
intriguingagainstme；intriguingwithsomecountrychitto——\"
\"Madame！\"Isaid，cuttinghershortwithashowoftemper，\"wheredidyougetthis？\"
\"Doyoudenyit？\"shecried，lookingsobeautifulinherangerthatIthoughtIhadneverseenhertosuchadvantage。\"DoyoudenythatyoutooktheKingthere？\"
\"No。CertainlyItooktheKingthere。\"
\"ToPerrot\'s？Youadmitit？\"
\"Certainly，\"Isaid，\"forapurpose。\"
\"Apurpose！\"shecriedwithwitheringscorn。\"WasitnotthattheKingmightseethatgirl？\"
\"Yes，\"Irepliedpatiently，\"itwas。\"
Shestaredatme。\"Andyoucantellmethattomyface！\"shesaid。
\"IseenoreasonwhyIshouldnot，Madame，\"Irepliedeasily——\"I
cannotconceivewhyyoushouldobjecttotheunion——andmanywhyyoushoulddesiretoseetwopeoplehappy。Otherwise，ifIhadhadanyidea，eventheslightest，thatthematterwasobnoxioustoyou，Iwouldnothaveengagedinit。\"
\"But——whatwasyourpurposethen？\"shemuttered，inadifferenttone。
\"ToobtaintheKing\'sgoodwordwithM。dePerrottopermitthemarriageofhissonwithhisniece；whois，unfortunately，withoutaportion。\"
Madameutteredalowexclamation，andhereyeswanderingfromme，shetookup——asifherthoughtsstrayedalso——asmallornament；
fromthetablebesideher。\"Ah！\"shesaid，lookingatitclosely。\"ButPerrot\'ssondidheknowofthis？\"
\"No，\"Ianswered，smiling。\"ButIhaveheardthatwomencanloveaswellasmen，Madame。Andsometimesingenuously。\"
Iheardherdrawasighofrelief，andIknewthatifIhadnotpersuadedherIhadaccomplishedmuch。Iwasnotsurprisedwhen，layingdowntheornamentwithwhichshehadbeentoying，sheturnedonmeoneofthoseraresmilestowhichtheKingcouldrefusenothing；andwhereinwit，tenderness，andgaietyweresohappilyblendedthatnoconceivablebeautyoffeature，uninspiredbysensibility，couldviewiththem。\"Goodfriend，Ihavesinned，\"shesaid。\"ButIamawoman，andIlove。Pardonme。
AsforyourPROTEGEE，fromthismomentsheisminealso。IwillspeaktotheKingthisevening；andifhedoesnotatonce，\"
Madamecontinued，withagleamofarchnessthatshowedmethatshewasnotyetfreefromsuspicion，\"issuehiscommandstoM。dePerrot，Ishallknowwhattothink；andhisMajestywillsuffer！\"
Ithankedherprofusely，andinfittingterms。Then，afterawordortwoaboutsomeassignmentsfortheexpensesofherhousehold，insettlingwhichtherehadbeendelay——amatterwherein，also，IcontrivedtodoherpleasureandtheKing\'sservicenowrong——Iverywillinglytookmyleave，and，callingmypeople，startedhomewardsonfoot。Ihadnotgonetwentypaces，however，beforeM。dePerrot，whoseimpatiencehadchainedhimtothespot，crossedthestreetandjoinedhimselftome。\"Mydearfriend，\"hecried，embracingmefervently，\"isallwell？\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid。
\"Sheisappeased？\"
\"Absolutely。\"
Heheavedadeepsighofrelief，and，almostcryinginhisjoy，begantothankme，withalltheextravaganceofphraseandgesturetowhichmenofhismeanspiritareprone。ThroughallI
heardhimsilently，andwithsecretamusement，knowingthattheendwasnotyet。AtlengthheaskedmewhatexplanationIhadgiven。
\"Theonlyexplanationpossible，\"Iansweredbluntly。\"IhadtocombatMadame\'sjealousy。Ididitintheonlywayinwhichitcouldbedone:bystatingthatyourniecelovedyourson，andbyimploringhergoodwordontheirbehalf。\"
Hesprangapacefrommewithacryofrageandastonishment。
\"Youdidthat？\"hescreamed。
\"Softly，softly，M。dePerrot，\"Isaid，inavoicewhichbroughthimsomewhattohissenses。\"CertainlyIdid。Youbademesaywhateverwasnecessary，andIdidso。Nomore。Ifyouwish，however，\"Iaddedgrimly，\"toexplaintoMadamethat——\"
Butwithawailoflamentationherushedfromme，andinamomentwaslostinthedarkness；leavingmetosmileatthisoddterminationofanintriguethat，butforalad\'sadroitness，mighthavealteredthefortunesnotofM。dePerrotonlybutoftheKingmymasterandofFrance。
II。THETENNISBALLS。
AfewweeksbeforethedeathoftheDuchessofBeaufort，onEasterEve，1599，madesogreatachangeintherelationsofallatCourtthat\"Sourdismourning\"cametobeaphraseforgrief，genuinebecauseinterested，anaffairthatmighthavehadaseriousissuebegan，imperceptiblyatthetime，intheveriesttrifle。
Oneday，whiletheKingwasstillabsentfromParis，Ihadamindtoplaytennis，andforthatpurposesummonedLaTrape，whohadthechargeofmyballs，andsometimes，intheabsenceofbettercompany，playedwithme。Oflatetheballsheboughthadgivenmesmallsatisfaction，andIbadehimbringmethebag，thatI
mightchoosethebest。Hedidso，andIhadnothandledhalf-a-
dozenbeforeIfoundone，andlaterthreeothers，somuchmoreneatlysewnthantherest，andinallpointssosuperior，thatevenanuntrainedeyecouldnotfailtodetectthedifference。
\"Look，man！\"Isaid，holdingoutoneoftheseforhisinspection。\"Theseareballs；therestarerubbish。Cannotyouseethedifference？Wheredidyoubuythese？AtConstant\'s？\"
Hemuttered，\"No，mylord，\"andlookedconfused。
Thisrousedmycuriosity。\"Where，then？\"Isaidsharply。
\"Ofamanwhowasatthegateyesterday。\"
\"Oh！\"Isaid。\"Sellingtennisballs？\"
\"Yes，mylord。\"
\"Somerogueofamarker，\"Iexclaimed，\"fromwhomyouboughtfilchedgoods！Whowasit，man？\"
\"Idon\'tknowhisname，\"LaTrapeanswered。\"HewasaSpaniard。\"
\"Well？\"
\"Whowantedtohaveanaudienceofyourexcellency。\"
\"Ho！\"Isaiddrily。\"NowIunderstand。Bringmeyourbook。
Or，tellme，whathaveyouchargedmefortheseballs？\"
\"Twofrancs，\"hemutteredreluctantly。
\"Andnevergaveasou，I\'llswear！\"Iretorted。\"Youtookthepoordevil\'sballs，andlefthimatthegate！Ay，itisrogueslikeyougetmeabadname！\"Icontinued，affectingmoreangerthanIfelt——for，intruth，Iwasratherpleasedwithmyquicknessindiscoveringthecheat。\"YoustealandIbeartheblame，andpaytoboot！Offwithyouandfindthefellow，andbringhimtome，oritwillbetheworseforyou！\"
Gladtoescapesoeasily，LaTraperantothegate；buthefailedtofindhisfriend，andtwoorthreedayselapsedbeforeI
thoughtagainofthematter，suchpettyrogueriesbeingingrainedinagreatman\'sVALETAILLE，andbeingnomoretoberemovedthanthehairsfromaman\'sarm。AttheendofthattimeLaTrapecametome，bringingtheSpaniard；whohadappearedagainatthegate。Thestrangerprovedtobeasmall，slightman，paleandyetbrown，withquick-glancingeyes。Hisdresswasdecent，butverypoor，withmorethanonerentneatlydarned。Hemademeaprofoundreverence，andstoodwaiting，withhiscapinhishand，tobeaddressed；but，withallhishumility，IdidnotfailtodetectaneasinessofdeportmentandaproprietythatdidnotseemabsolutelystrangesincehewasaSpaniard，butwhichstruckme，nevertheless，asrequiringsomeexplanation。Iaskedhim，civilly，whohewas。HeansweredthathisnamewasDiego。
\"YouspeakFrench？\"
\"IamofGuipuzcoa，mylord，\"heanswered，\"wherewesometimesspeakthreetongues。\"
\"Thatistrue，\"Isaid。\"Anditisyourtradetomaketennisballs？\"
\"No，mylord；tousethem，\"heansweredwithacertaindignity。
\"Youareaplayer，then？\"
\"Ifitpleaseyourexcellency。\"
\"Wherehaveyouplayed？\"
\"AtMadrid，whereIwasthekeeperoftheDukeofSegovia\'scourt；andatToledo，whereIfrequentlyhadthehonourofplayingagainstM。deMontserrat。\"
\"Youareagoodplayer？\"
\"Ifyourexcellency，\"heansweredimpulsively，\"willgivemeanopportunity——\"
\"Softly，softly，\"Isaid，somewhattakenabackbyhisearnestness。\"Grantedthatyouareaplayer，youseemtohaveplayedtosmallpurpose……Whyareyouhere，myfriend，andnotinMadrid？\"
Hedrewuphissleeves，andshowedmethathiswristsweredeeplyscarred。
Ishruggedmyshoulders。\"YouhavebeeninthehandsoftheHolyBrotherhood？\"Isaid。
\"No，mylord，\"heansweredbitterly。\"OftheHolyInquisition。\"
\"YouareaProtestant？\"
Hebowed。
OnthatIfelltoconsideringhimwithmoreattention，butatthesametimewithsomedistrust；reflectingthathewasaSpaniard，andrecallingthenumberlessplotsagainsthisMajestyofwhichthatnationhadbeenguilty。Still，ifhistaleweretruehedeservedsupport；withaviewthereforetotestingthisI
questionedhimfarther，andlearnedthathehadforalongtimedisguisedhisopinions，until，openingtheminaneasymomenttoafellowservant，hefoundhimselfuponthefirstoccasionofquarrelbetrayedtotheFathers。Aftersufferingmuch，andgivinghimselfupforlostintheirdungeons，hemadehisescapeinamannersufficientlyremarkable，ifImightbelievehisstory。IntheprisonwithhimlayaMoor，forwhoseexchangeagainstaChristiantakenbytheSalleepiratesanordercamedown。Itarrivedintheevening；theMoorwastoberemovedinthemorning。Anhourafterthearrivalofthenews，however，andwhenthetwohadjustbeenlockedupforthenight，theMoor，overcomewithexcessofjoy，suddenlyexpired。AtfirsttheSpaniardwasforgivingthealarm；but，beinganingeniousfellow，inafewminuteshesummonedallhiswitstogetherandmadeaplan。Contrivingtoblackenhisfaceandhandswithcharcoalhechangedclotheswiththecorpse，andmufflinghimselfupafterthefashionoftheMoorsinacoldclimatehesucceededintheearlymorninginpassingoutinhisplace。Thosewhohadchargeofhimhadnoreasontoexpectanescape，andonceontheroadhehadlittledifficultyingettingaway，andeventuallyreachedFranceafterasuccessionofnarrowchances。
AllthisthemantoldmesosimplythatIknewnotwhichtoadmiremore，thedaringofhisdevice——sinceforawhitemantopassforabrownisbeyondthecommonscopeofsuchdisguises——orhispresentmodestyinrelatingit。However，neitherofthesethingsseemedtomymindagoodreasonfordisbelief。Astotheone，Iconsideredthatanimpostorwouldhaveputforwardsomethingmoresimple；andastotheother，Ihaveallmylifelongobservedthatthosewhohavehadstrangeexperiencestelltheminaveryordinaryway。Besides，IhadfreshinmymindthedivertingescapeoftheDukeofNemoursfromLyons，whichIhaveelsewhererelated。Ontheotherhand，anddespiteallthesethings，thestorymightbefalse；sowithaviewtotestingonepartofit，atleast，Ibadehimcomeandplaywithmethatafternoon。
\"Mylord，\"hesaidbluntly，\"Ihadrathernot。ForifIdefeatyourexcellency，Imaydefeatalsoyourgoodintentions。AndifIpermityoutowin，Ishallseemtobeanimpostor。\"
Somewhatsurprisedbyhisforethought，Ireassuredhimonthispoint；andhisgame，whichprovedtobeoneofremarkablestrengthandfinesse，andfairlyonanequality，asitseemedtome，withthatofthebestFrenchplayers，persuadedmethatatanyratethefirstpartofhistalewastrue。AccordinglyImadehimapresent，and，inaddition，badeMaignanpayhimasmallallowanceforawhile。Forthisheshowedhisgratitudebyattachinghimselftomyhousehold；andasitwasthefashionatthattimetokeeptennismastersofthisclass，Ifounditoccasionallyamusingtopithimagainstotherwell-knownplayers。
Inthecourseofafewweekshegainedmegreatcredit；andthoughIamnotsofoolishastoattachimportancetosuchtrifles，but，onthecontrary，thinkanoldsoldierwhostoodfastatCoutras，orevenaclerkwhohasservedtheKinghonestly——ifsuchaprodigytherebe——moredeservingthantheseprofessors，stillIdonoterrontheotherside；butcounthimafoolwho，becausehehassolidcausetovaluehimself，disdainstheECLATwhichtheattachmentofsuchpersonsgiveshiminthepubliceye。
ThemanwentbythenameofDiegotheSpaniard，andhisstory，whichgraduallybecameknown，togetherwiththeexcellenceofhisplay，madehimsomuchthefashionthatmorethanonetriedtodetachhimfrommyservice。TheKingheardofhim，andwouldhaveplayedwithhim，butthesuddendeathofMadamedeBeaufort，whichoccurredsoonafterwards，threwtheCourtintomourning；
andforawhile，inpursuingthenegotiationsfortheKing\'sdivorce，andinconductingacorrespondenceofthemostdelicatecharacterwiththeQueen，Ilostsightofmyplayer——insomuch，thatIscarcelyknewwhetherhestillformedpartofmysuiteornot。
Myattentionwaspresentlyrecalledtohim，however，inaratherremarkablemanner。OnemorningDonAntoniod\'Evora，SecretarytotheSpanishEmbassy，andabrotherofthatd\'EvorawhocommandedtheSpanishFootatParisin\'94，calledonmeattheArsenal，towhichIhadjustremoved，anddesiredtoseeme。Ibadethemadmithim；butasmysecretarieswereatthetimeatworkwithme，Ileftthemandreceivedhiminthegarden——supposingthathewishedtospeaktome，abouttheaffairofSaluces，andpreferring，liketheKingmymaster，totalkofmattersofStateintheopenair。
However，Iwasmistaken。DonAntoniosaidnothingaboutSavoy，butaftertheusualpreliminaries，whichaSpaniardneveromits，plungedintoalongharangueuponthecomitywhich，nowthatpeacereigned，shouldexistbetweenthetwonations。ForsometimeIwaitedpatientlytolearnwhathewouldbeat；butheseemedtobelostinhisowneloquence，andatlastItookhimup。
\"Allthisisverywell，M。d\'Evora，\"Isaid。\"Iquiteagreewithyouthatthetimesarechanged，thatamityisnotthesamethingaswar，andthatagrainofsandintheeyeisunpleasant，\"forhehadsaidallofthesethings。\"ButIfail，beingaplainmanandnodiplomatist，toseewhatyouwantmetodo。\"
\"Itisthesmallestmatter，\"hesaid，wavinghishandgracefully。
\"Andyet，\"Iretorted，\"youseemtofindadifficultyincomingatit。\"
\"Asyoudoatthegrainofsandintheeye，\"heansweredwittily。
\"Afterall，however，inwhatyousay，M。deRosny，thereissometruth。IfeelthatIam，ondelicateground；butIamsurethatyouwillpardonme。YouhaveinyoursuiteacertainDiego。\"
\"Itmaybeso，\"Isaid，maskingmysurprise，andaffectingindifference。
\"Atennis-player。\"
Ishruggedmyshoulders。\"Themanisknown，\"Isaid。
\"AProtestant？\"
\"Itisnotimpossible。\"
\"AndasubjectoftheKing，mymaster。Aman，\"DonAntoniocontinued，withincreasingstiffness，\"infine，M。deRosny，who，aftercommittingvariousoffences，murderedhiscomradeinprison，and，escapinginhisclothes，tookrefugeinthiscountry。\"
Ishruggedmyshouldersagain。
\"Ihavenoknowledgeofthat，\"Isaidcoldly。
\"No，orIamsurethatyouwouldnotharbourthefellow，\"thesecretaryanswered。\"Nowthatyoudoknowit，however，Itakeitforgrantedthatyouwilldismisshim？Ifyouheldanybutthegreatplaceyoudohold，M。deRosny，itwouldbedifferent；butalltheworldseewhofollowyou，andthisman\'spresencestainsyou，andisanoffencetomymaster。\"
\"Softly，softly，M。d\'Evora，\"Isaid，withalittlewarmth。\"Yougotoofast。Letmetellyoufirst，that，formyhonour，Itakecareofitmyself；and，secondly，foryourmaster，Idonotallowevenmyowntomeddlewithmyhousehold。\"
\"But，mylord，\"hesaidpompously，\"theKingofSpain——\"
\"IstheKingofSpain，\"Ianswered，cuttinghimshortwithoutmuchceremony。\"ButintheArsenalofParis，which，forthepresent，ismyhouse，Iamking。AndIbrooknousurpers，M。
d\'Evora。\"
Heassentedtothatwithaconstrainedsmile。
\"ThenIcansaynomore，\"heanswered。\"Ihavewarnedyouthatthemanisarogue。Ifyouwillstillentertainhim，Iwashmyhandsofit。ButIfeartheconsequences，M。deRosny，and，frankly，itlessensmyopinionofyoursagacity。\"
ThereatIbowedinmyturn，andaftertheexchangeofsomecivilitieshetookhisleave。Consideringhisapplicationafterhewasgone，IconfessthatIfoundnothingsurprisinginit；andhaditcomefromamanwhomIheldingreaterrespectImighthavecompliedwithitinanindirectfashion。ButthoughitmighthaveledmeundersomecircumstancestodiscardDiego，naturally，sinceitconfirmedhisstoryinsomepoints，andprovedbesidesthathewasnotapersonagrataattheSpanishEmbassy，itdidnotleadmetovaluehimless。AndaswithintheweekhewassofortunateastodefeatLaVarenne\'schampioninagreatmatchattheLouvre，andwonalsoamatch，atM。deMontpensier\'swhichputfiftycrownsintomypocket，Ithoughtlessandlessofd\'Evora\'sremonstrance；untiltheking\'sreturnputitquiteoutofmyhead。TheentanglementwithMademoiselled\'Entragues，whichwasdestinedtobethemostfatalofallHenry\'sattachments，wasthenintheforming；andthekingplungedintoeverykindofamusementwithfreshzest。Theverydayafterhisreturnhematchedhismarker，arogue，butanexcellentplayer，againstmyman；andlaidmetwentycrownsontheevent，thematchtobeplayedonthefollowingSaturdayafteradinnerwhichM。deLudewasgivinginhonourofthelady。
OntheThursday，however，whoshouldcomeintome，whileIwassittingaloneaftersupper，butMaignan:who，closingthedooranddismissingthepagewhowaitedthere，toldmewithaverylongfaceandanairofvastimportancethathehaddiscoveredsomething。
\"Something？\"Isaid，beinginclinedatthemomenttobemerry。
\"What？Aplottoreduceyourperquisites，yourascal？\"
\"No，mylord，\"heansweredstoutly。\"Buttotapyourexcellency\'ssecrets。\"
\"Indeed，\"Isaidpleasantly，notbelievingawordofit。\"Andwhoistohang？\"
\"TheSpaniard，\"heansweredinalowvoice。
Thatsoberedme，byputtingthematterinanewlight；andIsatamomentlookingathimandreviewingDiego\'sstory，whichassumedontheinstantanaspectsouncommonandalmostincrediblethatIwonderedhowIhadeverallowedittopass。
ButwhenIproceededfromthistothesubstanceofMaignan\'schargeIfoundanIMPASSEinthisdirectionalso，andIsmiled。
\"SoitisDiego，isit？\"Isaid。\"Youthinkthatheisaspy？\"
Maignannodded。
\"Then，tellme，\"Iasked，\"whatopportunityhasheoflearningmorethanalltheworldknows？HehasnotbeeninmyapartmentssinceIengagedhim。Hehasseennoneofmypapers。Theyoungestfootboycouldtellallhehaslearned。\"
\"True，mylord，\"Maignanansweredslowly；\"but——\"
\"Well？\"
\"Isawhimthisevening，talkingwithaPriestintheRuePetitsPois；andhecallshimselfaProtestant。\"
\"Ah！Youaresurethatthemanwasapriest？\"
\"Iknowhim。\"
\"Forwhom？\"
\"OneofthechaplainsattheSpanishEmbassy。\"
ItwasnaturalthatafterthisIshouldtakeamoreseriousviewofthematter；andIdidso。Butmyformerdifficultystillremained，for，assumingthistobeacunningplot，andd\'Evora\'sapplicationtomearusetothrowmeoffmyguard，Icouldnotseewheretheiradvantagelay；sincetheSpaniard\'soccupationwasnotofanaturetogivehimtheentrytomyconfidenceorthechanceofransackingmypapers。IquestionedMaignanfurther，therefore，butwithoutresult。Hehadseenthetwotogetherinasecretkindofway，viewingthemhimselffromthewindowofahousewherehehadanassignation。Hehadnotbeennearenoughtohearwhattheysaid，buthewassurethatnoquarreltookplacebetweenthem，andequallycertainthatitwasnochancemeetingthatbroughtthemtogether。
Infectedbyhisassurance，Icouldstillseenoissue；andnoobjectinsuchanintrigue。AndintheendIcontentedmyselfwithbiddinghimwatchtheSpaniardclosely，andreporttomethefollowingevening；addingthathemightconfidethemattertoLaTrape，whowasasupplefellow，andofthetwotheeasiercompanion。
Accordingly，nexteveningMaignanagainappeared，thistimewithafaceevenlonger；sothatatfirstIsupposedhimtohavediscoveredaplotworsethanChastel\'s；butitturnedoutthathehaddiscoverednothing。TheSpaniardhadspentthemorninginloungingandtheafternooninpracticeattheLouvre，andfromfirsttolasthadconductedhimselfinthemostinnocentmannerpossible。OnthisIralliedMaignanonhismare\'snest，andwasinclinedtodismissthematterassuch；still，beforedoingso，I
thoughtIwouldseeLaTrape，anddismissingMaignanIsentforhim。
Whenhewascome，\"Well，\"Isaid，\"haveyouanythingtosay？\"
\"Onelittlethingonly，yourexcellency，\"heansweredslyly，\"andofnoimportance。\"
\"ButyoudidnottellittoMaignan？\"
\"No，myLord，\"hereplied，hisfacerelaxinginacunningsmile。
\"Well？\"
\"Onceto-dayIsawDiegowhereheshouldnothavebeen。\"
\"Where？\"
\"IntheKing\'sdressing-roomatthetennis-court。\"
\"Yousawhimthere？\"
\"Isawhimcomingout，\"heanswered。
ItmaybeimaginedhowIfeltonhearingthis；foralthoughI
mighthavethoughtnothingofthematterbeforemysuspicionswerearoused——sinceanymanmightvisitsuchaplaceoutofcuriosity——now，mymindbeingdisturbed，Iwasquicktoconceivetheworst，andsawwithhorrormybelovedmasteralreadydestroyedthroughmycarelessness。IquestionedLaTrapeinafury，butcouldlearnnothingmore。Hehadseenthemanslipout，andthatwasall。
\"Butdidyounotgoinyourself？\"Isaid，restrainingmyimpatiencewithdifficulty。
\"Afterwards？Yes，mylord。\"
\"Andmadenodiscovery？\"
Heshookhishead。
\"WasanythingpreparedforhisMajesty？\"
\"Therewassherbet；andsomewater。\"
\"Youtriedthem？\"
LaTrapegrinned。\"No，mylord，\"hesaid。\"ButIgavesometoMaignan。\"
\"Notexplaining？\"
\"No，mylord。\"
\"Yousacrilegiousrascal！\"Icried，amusedinspiteofmyanxiety。\"Andhewasnonetheworse？\"
\"No，mylord。\"