led was lonely and deserted, the country
looked very desolate, and even after the sun had risen there were few
people to be observed abroad. At that time I did not know what I
afterwards learned, that our route lay through a district which had
been swept bare again and again by the horrors of war.

CHAPTER IX.

I Meet with an Exciting Adventure.

About nine o'clock we came to a country inn where I decided to halt,
and the troopers, well pleased at the prospect of refreshment,
proceeded to stable the horses, while the hostess showed madame and her
niece into the best room of the house. The arrival of such a large
party caused some consternation, but the host and his servants bustled
about cheerfully, and the soldiers were soon sitting down to a rough
but abundant meal.

Having seen them satisfactorily settled, I was debating whether to
intrude myself on the ladies or not, when the innkeeper informed me
that they desired to see me. Accordingly, after speaking a word to the
sergeant, I went upstairs, and entered the room where they sat at table.

Madame Coutance, who shortly before had sulked like a spoiled child,
had now regained her good humour, and received me with smiles.

"Come, Sir Gaoler, it is not polite to keep your guests waiting," she
exclaimed, and I excused myself on the ground of being uncertain
whether my presence would be agreeable.

"Certainly! we require you as a taster. The Duke of Beaufort was
allowed one at Vincennes, and you would not count him of more
consequence than two ladies?"

"I' faith!" I exclaimed, glancing at the viands, "if I am to play that
part, there will be little for those who come after me. The night's
ride has given me a wolf's appetite!"

"In that case," said Marie laughing, "we will be our own tasters. Sit
down, Albert, and let us begin."

For some reason best known to herself, or perhaps for no reason at all,
Madame Coutance had become reconciled to the situation. I was received
into favour again. We laughed and joked merrily, and resumed the
journey in the best of good humour. The leathern coverings were
fastened back, and I rode beside the open carriage more as an attendant
cavalier than as the officer of an escort. This was far more agreeable
to me, though I found it rather awkward to answer some of the questions
which madame asked concerning the Cardinal.

"It is a pity the plot was discovered," she said; "in a day or two at
the outside Mazarin wo