that the door should be opened
for her; the Swiss did not dare to resist. Gaston took Helene by the
hand, summoned the carriage in which he had come, and seeing that he was
to be followed, he stepped toward the assailants, and said in a loud
voice:

"Two steps further, and I tell this history aloud, and place myself and
mademoiselle under the safeguard of the public honor."

Madame Desroches believed that Gaston knew the mystery, and would
declare it: she therefore thought best to retire quickly, followed by
the servants.

The intelligent driver started at a gallop.

CHAPTER XXI.

WHAT PASSED IN THE RUE DU BAC WHILE WAITING FOR GASTON.

"What, monseigneur, you here!" cried Dubois, entering the room of the
house in the Rue du Bac, and finding the regent seated in the same place
as on the previous day.

"Yes; is there anything wonderful in that? Have I not an appointment at
noon with the chevalier?"

"But I thought the order you signed would have put an end to these
conferences."

"You were mistaken, Dubois; I wish to have another interview with this
young man. I shall make one more effort to induce him to renounce his
plans."

"And if he should do so?"

"Then all will be at an end--there will be no conspiracy--there will
have been no conspirators. I cannot punish intentions."

"With any other I should not allow this; but with him I say, as you
please."

"You think he will remain firm?"

"Oh! I am quite easy. But when he has decidedly refused, when you are
quite convinced that he persists in his intention of assassinating you,
then you will give him over to me, will you not?"

"Yes, but not here."

"Why not here?"'

"Better to arrest him at his hotel."

"There, at the Muids d'Amour, with Tapin and D'Argenson's
people--impossible, monsieur. Bourguignon's affair is still in
everybody's mouth in that quarter. I am not sure that they even quite
believe in the attack of apoplexy, since Tapin now gives strict measure.
It will be much better to arrest him as he leaves here, monseigneur; the
house is quiet; four men could easily do it, and they are already here.
I will move them, as you insist on seeing him; and, instead of arresting
him as he enters, it must be done as he leaves. At the door a carriage
shall be ready to take him to the Bastille; so that even the coachman
who brings him here shall not know what has become of him. No one but
Monsieur de Launay shall know; and I will answer for his