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