get the Rue Crillon, Monsieur de Lalande," exclaimed Marie's
aunt as we stood a moment at the foot of the staircase, "unless you
fear to trust yourself in our company. I must win you over to our
side; your talents will be thrown away on Mazarin. But the horses are
impatient, and we block the way; so adieu, messieurs," and she waved a
small, delicately-gloved hand in farewell.

It was one o'clock, but the Luxembourg blazed with lights; the number
of guests had scarcely diminished, though numerous carriages were drawn
up in readiness to start, and groups of people still lingered outside
to watch the termination of the brilliant fete.

"What do you think of Madame Coutance?" asked my comrade, as her
carriage rolled away.

"She is very beautiful, and, if possible, more reckless even than
Madame de Chevreuse. I hope she will not cause Marie to suffer through
her folly."

Raoul's face clouded, but he affected to laugh at the idea of danger.

"The Duke will protect them," he remarked grandly, but on this point I
had my doubts. However, since no good ever comes through disputing
over a matter of opinion, I allowed the subject to drop, and prepared
to take my leave.

"Are you going?" he asked. "I would have liked to introduce you to
D'Arcy. He has been on duty all night, but will be free shortly."

"I should have been delighted, but I have to visit the Cardinal at
seven this morning."

"And after?"

"If he doesn't need me, I shall go to bed. I am fatigued by these late
hours."

"That is right," said he laughing. "I shall make the most of the
truce, by calling for you this evening. Rue des Catonnes?"

"Third house from the corner, but I will watch for you."

Raoul, being in attendance on the Duke of Orleans, returned to the
palace, while I left the courtyard in a rather thoughtful mood. I did
not altogether like what I had heard of Madame Coutance. It seemed
that she had joined, heart and soul, in the plots against Mazarin, and
was regarded by his enemies with much favour.

As a conspirator, however, she had several failings. She boasted not
alone of the victories won, but also of the victories she was about to
win, and was so confident of her powers that she could never be brought
to understand the strength of her opponents. I regarded her as rather
a dangerous guardian for a young girl, and hoped she would not drag
Marie into mischief. Away from the Luxembourg the streets were
deserted, save for a