ill be as well to travel on foot; you will attract
less attention."

Handing me a sealed note, which I placed in my pocket, he signified
that the interview was at an end, and I left the room.

It was fortunate that the Cardinal had given me a simple task, for my
brain was in a whirl. The man was a marvel, he seemed aware of
everything one did and said, and perhaps everything one thought. His
spies were all over the city, and, whether from fear or greed, they
served him well.

I thought of Madame Coutance, and the peril in which she stood. Thus
far he had spared her, but at any moment a secret order might go forth,
and the lady would be spirited away beyond the reach of friends. It
was possible, too, that Marie would share her aunt's fate, though I did
not believe the girl had much to do with the plots against Mazarin.

Who could have informed him of my visit to the Luxembourg? He had
evidently heard all about it, and perhaps suspected me of playing him
false. If so, he was at fault. Rightly or wrongly, I believed him to
be the only man who could govern France till the king came of age, and,
though feeling little love for him, I resolved to do everything in my
power to defeat his enemies.

A strong, hearty voice put dreams to flight, and, looking up, I saw
Roland Belloc, who was laughing pleasantly.

"Dreaming, my boy, and at this time in the morning?" said he. "Have
you breakfasted? If not, come with me."

"Many thanks," I replied, "but I have no time. I am on the Cardinal's
business, and----"

"Enough," said my old friend; "when the Cardinal has business on hand,
breakfast must wait. Many a time it has been afternoon before I have
found leisure for bite or sup. By the way, you are growing in favour,
my boy, let me tell you. If you were only a few years older you would
obtain a high post. Only your youth is against you, and every day
makes that obstacle less."

"It does!" I replied, laughing. "I hope you will enjoy your breakfast;
I am going to seek an appetite for mine."

"Don't miss the breakfast when you have found the appetite," said he
merrily; "I have known that happen before now," and the jovial, though
rugged, old soldier marched off to his quarters.

Making sure that the note was safe, I descended the staircase, crossed
the courtyard, passed the sentries, who by this time were beginning to
recognise me, and started on my journey.

Paris was waking up when I left the Palais Royal, b