r her fears.
Doubtless he was indisposed, or perhaps he would come still. Ha! there
was the sound of an opening door and of a quick step in her ante-room.
Was it he, or at least his messenger with a note from him?

But no, it was her brother, with the haggard eyes and drawn face of a
man who is weighed down with his own evil tidings. He turned as he
entered, fastened the door, and then striding across the room, locked
the other one which led to her boudoir.

"We are safe from interruption," he panted. "I have hastened here, for
every second may be invaluable. Have you heard anything from the king?"

"Nothing." She had sprung to her feet, and was gazing at him with a
face which was as pale as his own.

"The hour has come for action, Francoise. It is the hour at which the
Mortemarts have always shown at their best. Do not yield to the blow,
then, but gather yourself to meet it."

"What is it?" She tried to speak in her natural tone, but only a
whisper came to her dry lips.

"The king is about to marry Madame de Maintenon."

"The _gouvernante_! The widow Scarron! It is impossible!"

"It is certain."

"To marry? Did you say to marry?"

"Yes, he will marry her."

The woman flung out her hands in a gesture of contempt, and laughed loud
and bitterly.

"You are easily frightened, brother," said she. "Ah, you do not know
your little sister. Perchance if you were not my brother you might rate
my powers more highly. Give me a day, only one little day, and you will
see Louis, the proud Louis, down at the hem of my dress to ask my pardon
for this slight. I tell you that he cannot break the bonds that hold
him. One day is all I ask to bring him back."

"But you cannot have it."

"What?"

"The marriage is to-night."

"You are mad, Charles."

"I am certain of it." In a few broken sentences he shot out all that he
had seen and heard. She listened with a grim face, and hands which
closed ever tighter and tighter as he proceeded. But he had said the
truth about the Mortemarts. They came of a contentious blood, and were
ever at their best at a moment of action. Hate rather than dismay
filled her heart as she listened, and the whole energy of her nature
gathered and quickened to meet the crisis.

"I shall go and see him," she cried, sweeping towards the door.

"No, no, Francoise. Believe me, you will ruin everything if you do.
Strict orders have been given to the guard to admit no one to the