re willing to relinquish the honor of my escort?"

"It is duty, Mademoiselle la Princesse; stern and imperative duty."

"Sh!" Placing her finger to her lips, "address me simply as Madame."

"Madame, you wrong me; I would not desert you while in danger; now I may
give you into safer hands with honor. A most urgent matter demands my
presence there," pointing inside, "it may cost my life. Had I better not
acquaint M. de Verrue with your character? He will then be more
circumspect?" She thought a space.

"No, you may tell him I am a woman--tell him of the stupid folly which
led me here to-night and brought a brave gentleman into danger--but not
my name."

She would have thanked me further, but I was all impatience to be inside,
seeing which she graciously bade me go. I bethought me then of the
packet yet in my bosom, and knowing all those within were to be searched
I took a hasty resolution, born of my confidence in the Princess. It may
be said here that the lady whom I escorted on that memorable night was
known throughout the kingdom for her eccentric tastes, and noted for
never meddling with intrigues of either state or love. Her passion lay
with her dogs and horses, the hunt, and not in the trifles of a court.

"Madame, will you not render me a service in return?" I felt my whole
attitude to be imploring, so warmly did I bespeak her grace.

"I have here some papers of the utmost value to myself, to no one else.
My honor requires that they be delivered to M. Jerome de Greville before
to-morrow's sun arises. He keeps his lodging in Rue St. Denis, at the
sign of the Austrian Arms. Can Madame not dispatch a trusted messenger
and secure their delivery?"

The fervor of the appeal touched her, for she listened with interest.

"Oh, Madame, I beseech you, as I have obeyed you without question this
night, do not fail me as you love the glory of France. You may have M.
de Greville informed how and where you came by them, in case aught of ill
should happen to me this night."

She took the packet.

"Upon my royal word," she whispered, in such a tone of sincerity I felt
relieved of any uneasiness concerning the papers.

I had a real regret at seeing her leave the hall. Walking so regally in
front of the guard I wondered at my thick-headedness which had not before
perceived in her every movement the princely pride of Bourbon. I threw
my cloak, which fettered me, to one of the men, and wearing still my
mask, r