\"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。