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