u appear to be
truly suffering, and in a state of great excitement. It will be best for
you, without doubt, to forget all these political interests, and attend
to your physical condition."

Marietta, however, had again recovered her presence of mind; she glanced
with a wan smile into the anxious countenance of the marquis.

"Fear nothing, sir, I am not mad; return to your seat. I have no
weapons, and will injure no one. The dagger which I carry is piercing my
own heart, and from time to time the wound pains; that is all. I promise
you to make no sound, to be gentle and calm--come, then."

The marquis returned, but seated himself somewhat farther from the
signora.

"I tell you," said Marietta, panting for breath, "that he made use of
my credulity--made me a tool of his political intrigues--these intrigues
which threaten the lands if not the life of the king. The treason I
will disclose would place an important fortress in the hands of the
Austrians."

"And you are convinced that this is no chimera?" said the marquis, with
an incredulous smile.

"I am convinced of it, and I have the incontestable proof with me." She
took the two letters which she had received from Ranuzi, and gave
them to the marquis. "Take them, and send them to the king, but, not
to-morrow, not when it is convenient, but to-day; even this hour. If
you are not prompt, in eight days King Frederick will be a fortress the
poorer. Besides this, say to his majesty to be ever on his guard against
the captive officers in Berlin, especially on his guard against my
countryman, Count Ranuzi. He is the soul of this enterprise; he has
originated this daring undertaking, and, if this falls to pieces, he
will commence anew. He is a dangerous enemy--a serpent, whose sting is
most deadly, most to be feared when he seems most gentle, most quiet.
Say to King Frederick he will do well to protect himself from the
traitor, the Austrian spy, Ranuzi." Marietta stood up, and bowing to the
marquis, she advanced to the door. D'Argens held her back.

"Madame," said he, "if these things are really so, Count Ranuzi is a man
to be feared, and we should make sure of him."

"He is indeed a dangerous man," said Marietta, with a peculiar smile.
"Ask the beautiful Madame du Trouffle; she will confirm my words."

The black, flashing eyes of the marquis fixed themselves searchingly
upon the face of the signora. He remembered that the king had warned him
to be upon his guard as to